)
Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez discussed his failings at the club.
Barcelona legend and former head coach Xavi Hernandez reminisced about his time at the club and analysed why it came to a disappointing end.
The 42-year-old was an exciting mid-season appointment, replacing Ronald Koeman. He led Barcelona to the Champions League from tenth position, and the following year, his first full season, he won the LALIGA title.
)
21:40 - 08.03.2025
Barcelona vs Osasuna postponed due to passing of a Blaugrana first team staff
Barcelona and LALIGA announced the postponement of the league clash against Osasuna due to the passing of a first team staff.
)
16:40 - 08.03.2025
My family — Nico Williams explains decision to snub Arsenal, Barcelona
Spain and Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams has explained his decision to reject a move to one of Europe's top clubs last summer.
He was fired at the end of the following season, however, after a disappointing title defence and another Champions League exit.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports
What Xavi said
The Spaniard has been out of work since he left Barcelona, and today he had his first in-depth interview since the exit, in which he provided some insights into his failings.
“My first year and a half at Barcelona was very good,” Xavi said, per Barca Buzz. “We had a project with Mateu Alemany and Jordi Cruyff, which helped us finish second in La Liga, then go on to win the league title and the Spanish Super Cup. But after that, our results started to decline. Losing Jordi and Mateu was a heavy blow.”
In addition to losing those two individuals who partner him in making sporting decisions for the club, the end of the 2022/23 league-winning season saw the exit of long-term defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets for the sandy shores of Miami.
)
Xavi revealed that the departure of his former teammate forced him to rework his tactic. However, he never could find a sustainable model without that key component to the way he wants to play football.
“I admit that I made some mistakes in management at Barça. Sergio Busquets' departure forced us to rethink our style of play, so I opted for a midfield with three attacking players, but it wasn’t always effective.”
Despite the regrets, Xavi remains immensely proud of the role he played, blooding the Barcelona youngsters that are thriving at the club presently.
“Beyond the titles, I feel very proud that I trusted a new generation like Fermín, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Alejandro Balde. They represent the future of the club. It makes me feel proud.”
Xavi was linked with the Manchester United job before Ruben Amorim was eventually hired. The three-time Ballon d'Or podium finisher said he is currently on the lookout for an exciting project, as he still has big coaching ambitions and appetite.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)