How did club legend Xavi Hernandez steady Barcelona’s sinking ship?

How did club legend Xavi Hernandez steady Barcelona’s sinking ship?

When club legend Xavi Hernandez was appointed as the Barcelona manager, the club was in shambles. They were in ninth place in the La Liga table and were on the verge of being knocked out of the Champions League. 

The ex-Barcelona Manager and Netherlands defender Ronald Koeman was the Barcelona head coach before Xavi’s arrival. The club started the 2021-22 season in a very turbulent manner with their club’s talisman Leo Messi leaving for Paris St Germain. Visibly the club could not settle well without Messi, and they kept losing consecutive league matches and in the UCL as well. 

Xavi arrived in the Camp Nou in early November and acquired the services of an undisciplined and shattered Barcelona team. Xavi returned to the club with Cryuff’s philosophy and promised to take the club back to its deserved heights. Though Xavi could not take the club to Champions League knockouts, he has managed to retain the Champions League spots. 

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Barcelona’s resurgence under Xavi Hernandez

Xavi’s Barcelona

In spite of Barcelona finishing the season trophyless, Xavi has helped them finish La Liga in the second spot. He has well-established a fluid form of football in which the likes of Pedri, Gavi, and Frankie de Jong have helped him. The true managerial highlight of Xavi’s Barcelona has been the 4-0 triumph over Real Madrid in the league. 

With inclusions like Adama, Aubameyang, and Ferran Torres, Xavi’s Barcelona has managed to score a lot of goals in the league. Ousmane Dembele who was reportedly unsettled and wanted to leave the club in the January Window has found impeccable form under Xavi’s coaching. He currently leads the assist charts of La Liga with minimal appearances.

Another pivotal piece in his squad has been the young Pedri. His quality and flair in the midfield have certainly impressed everyone. With the season nearing its conclusion, Barcelona will be approaching the new season with great zeal.

President Laporta has promised Xavi full freedom and support in the transfer market. With rumored additions like Lewandowski, Kessie, and Christensen next season, Barcelona will be looking to swing back in full motion and challenge for all the trophies possible. 

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