Dutch midfielder Jordi Cruyff believes Spanish giants Barcelona need a manager like Arsene Wenger or Sven Goran Eriksson to transform them into a major European force.

Cruyff who plays for Barca’s local rivals Espanyol expressed his opinion that the Catalan club need a more experienced man than Frank Rijkard at the helm on Spanish television.

“I don’t want to interfere with their matters, or attach blame to anyone, but for me the ideal coach for Barca would be between Arsene Wenger and Sven Goran Eriksson,” said the former Manchester United star.

“Someone who has a lot of experience, who really knows about Barcelona and Spanish football.

“Wenger and Eriksson are great managers and their experience is extensive.”

Cruyff went on to defend his famous father Johan who has been accused of interfering with the running of the club.

“My father is not interfering at Barca as some people like to say,’ added Cruyff.

“He is the first person to hope that things go well for them, but only advises them if they ask him; he does not take any decisions. I know this for obvious reasons.”

The ex-Barcelona man also spoke of his disappointment at Espanyol’s reluctance to sign him in the summer because of his family’s affinity with the club’s neighbours.

“Espanyol seriously doubted signing me, at the last moment they called a meeting,” revealed Cruyff.

“Over my name there were doubts. I still carry the pain from that, but I’m trying to overcome it by giving everything I have for the club.”