Xavi, the legendary former player of Barça, is expected as the messiah within the Catalan club.
As proof: his induction as a new coach, this Monday at the beginning of the afternoon, in front of tens of thousands of supporters gathered at Camp Nou.
The successor of Ronald Koeman, whose signing until 2024 had been formalized Friday night, must redress a team that sinks day after day, behind in the Championship (9th) and not guaranteed to see the knockout stages of the League of champions.
And there it is!
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- FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 8, 2021
Xavi, 41, signed his contract on a table placed on the Camp Nou lawn, with Joan Laporta, the club's president. "Today is a day that will mark the history of the club," said the latter. Welcome Xavi. It is a very emotional day. According to some Spanish media on the spot, anti-PSG chants were heard from the stands.
Xavi, joined by his family, spoke to the press: “I remember the advice of many former coaches (Van Gaal, Rijkaard, Luis Enrique, and Gardiola, present in Barcelona), they gave me experience. It's my DNA. I learn from many managers, also from other sports. "The new strong man of Barça clarified his vision of things:" I know the club, it is a delicate moment in its history as well economically as in football, we must go there all together. I will ask a lot of the players, but I will help them. For me, it's an advantage to know the captains, Busquets, Piqué, Alba, Roberto and players like Ter Stegen. "
Xavi then confided in a more personal way.
"It was a very quick comeback, it changed our lives in three or four days," he said.
I wish a happy birthday to my wife who turns 40 today!
I will give my life to make it work.
The president called me and told me that I was the chosen one.
Expectations are high, on obtaining immediate performance.
There is a team and there is talent, I will try to pass my experience on to the players to win the titles.
"