Xavi as good as Pep Guardiola?! Struggling Barcelona boss given glowing review by Thierry Henry as ex-Blaugrana forward urges Spaniard to be ‘proud’ of tenure

Henry, Xavi's former teammate in Catalonia, praised the struggling coach's managerial skills amid a difficult season for the Blaugrana boss. After winning the league title last season, Barca find themselves in third, and eight points behind league leaders Real Madrid.

Appearing on CBS Sports, Henry addressed Xavi during a live interview: "First and foremost I wanna start with... I've been impressed with the job that you've done there. I don't care what people say, you won the league. Be proud, and I know you are. I'm very proud that I shared the field with you. You taught me a lot going to Barcelona."

Henry also compared Xavi to another Blaugrana legend, adding: "I hope you're gonna carry on because your brain, for me, is second to none. The only guy that I know that is up there with you is Pep in terms of how you see the game."

Xavi and Henry played together for Barca from 2007-2010, including a starring role in Guardiola's 2008-9 side that captured a historic treble. The French forward left the club in 2010 having won four major trophies.

The Blaugrana boss has vowed to step down from the side at the end of the season, having endured a difficult campaign. But Henry has encouraged him to get back into management - despite his turbulent tenure in Catalonia.