Brothers in arms

According to Jonathan Soriano, two exemplary exponents of the modern game will go head-to-head in the Copa del Rey final between Athletic and Barca.

The highest scorer in the Austrian Bundesliga is adamant that both Ernesto Valverde and Luis Enrique share "a passion for attractive, daring and exciting attacking football." The Catalan striker also said that, "Just like Paco Jémez, both strive to change football's outdated mindset," having played under Valverde when he managed Espanyol (2006-2008) and with the current Barcelona boss when he coached the 'Azulgranas' reserves (2009-2011).

In some ways the marksman's comments echo the views of Andoni Zubizarreta, Barça's former sporting director, who always spoke highly of Valverde and Luis Enrique when a replacement was being found for Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova.

"I'm delighted things are going well for Luis Enrique," Soriano admitted, adding that the former Celta boss's philosophy and methods have been vindicated by the results and the fact that "the whole squad has finished the season in good shape."