Xavi Hernandez has now been officially presented as the new Barcelona head coach and, in his first comments in charge of the club; we can find 10 key messages.
Blaugrana fans are excited about the former midfielder’s arrival and the expectations on him are high. Nevertheless, the man from Terrassa seems to be enjoying the moment and is as enthusiastic as anyone about this new challenge.
The 10,000 fans that flocked to his presentation at the Camp Nou were a throwback to the days of major signings being presented to an eager crowd and, as he leads Barcelona into the future, some will hope that Xavi can rekindle something of the past as well.
The 41-year-old has dreamed of this moment, after having been linked with the job on several occasions when the timing wasn’t right, either for him or the club, but he now appears ready and he arrives with clear ideas in his head.
These are the main messages he stated during his first day on the job:
Xavi on commitment
I’ll give everything I’ve got for this to work.
Xavi on mentality
Barcelona cannot settle for drawing or losing. We have to win every game.
Xavi on philosophy
I want to convince the players that this is the best way to get results.
Xavi on Pep Guardiola
To be compared to [Guardiola] is an achievement for everything he’s done. He’s a role model for me, the best in the world.
Xavi on injuries
We’re worried about injuries. We need to sort that out, see what the problem is and find solutions.
Xavi on discipline
When we’ve had rules, it’s gone well for us. And when we haven’t, it’s gone bad. We have to impose them and follow them, there’s no other way.
Xavi on pressure
I’m here to help the dressing room. It’s difficult being a Barcelona player.
Xavi on atmosphere
Here, losing or drawing isn’t enough. Here, when we lose or draw, it’s like a funeral.
Xavi on Ousmane Dembele
Dembele’s renewal is a priority, he could be the best in the world in his position.
Xavi on veterans
The veterans, as I know them, will be the ones I lean on the most.
Courtesy: MARCA
