Xavi Hernández expressed his disappointment after ending his time as Barcelona coach with a 2-1 win against Sevilla. In an interview with DAZN, Xavi mentioned that he believes his work has been undervalued, especially considering the adverse situation he stepped into. Despite starting at ninth place on the table, Xavi managed to lead the team to a second-place finish and secured two trophies in his first full season in charge – LaLiga and the Spanish Supercopa. However, this year did not meet the same level of success, leading to his dismissal.
As Xavi prepares to depart, Hansi Flick is set to replace him as the new Barcelona coach. Xavi warned that Flick will face a challenging situation due to the complexities of managing a club like Barcelona, coupled with adverse financial circumstances. Xavi advised patience and emphasized the importance of winning to alleviate the pressure. He acknowledged the high expectations placed on him due to his association with Barcelona’s best era, which contributed to the scrutiny he faced.
Xavi initially announced his intention to step down in January, only to reverse his decision in April. Despite wanting to continue in his role as coach, Xavi was ultimately dismissed by club president Joan Laporta. While Xavi accepted the decision with respect, he expressed conflicting feelings about the situation. He highlighted the positive progress made during his tenure, including two trophies won under challenging circumstances.
Looking ahead, Xavi mentioned that he is “open” to future opportunities but emphasized the need to rest and spend time with his family in the short-term. After a successful playing career with over 700 appearances for Barcelona, Xavi took on the role of coach in 2021, surpassing expectations by leading the team to a LaLiga title in his first season. Despite this initial success, Barcelona failed to build on their achievements this year, resulting in a trophy-less season.
Xavi Hernández’s tenure as Barcelona coach was marked by both triumphs and challenges. While he led the team to significant victories and trophies, the expectations placed on him proved to be a double-edged sword. As he makes way for his successor, Xavi leaves behind a legacy of resilience and dedication to the club. Only time will tell what the future holds for Xavi and the next chapter in his career.
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