Xavi Hernandez - a legend of world football, a Spanish player who became one of the most influential and technically gifted players of his generation. He was born on January 25, 1980, in Terrassa, Spain, and displayed his football talent from a young age. Xavi became renowned for his outstanding passing skills and ball control. He possessed a unique ability to control the game on the field, distribute passes, and create attacks for his team.
He began his professional career in 1998, joining the youth team of Barcelona. Over time, he became an integral part of Barcelona's main squad and a product of the legendary La Masia academy. He spent 17 years at FC Barcelona, eventually becoming its captain and one of the main inspirations behind the "tiki-taka" style of play.
Xavi helped Barcelona win numerous domestic and international trophies, including 8 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. He became the heart and soul of the team, and his on-field leadership was invaluable to Barcelona's success during that period. Xavi is also a key figure for the Spanish national team. With the national squad, he won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
His intellectual approach to the game and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates made him an irreplaceable player for the national team. After leaving Barcelona in 2015, Xavi moved to Qatari club Al-Sadd, where he continued to showcase his skills and leadership. He helped the team win several national titles and became a symbol of football development in Qatar.
In addition to his playing career, Xavi has shown an interest in coaching. He has completed coaching courses and expressed a desire to one day manage his former team, Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez is not only a player of exceptional class but also a symbol of virtuosity, game reading ability, and leadership on the field. His style and contribution to world football will be remembered by generations of fans.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez says preparing for Wednesday's Champions League last 16 tie against Napoli has proved tricky with the Italians now under new management.
Struggling Napoli sacked Walter Mazzarri and brought in Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona on Monday, 48 hours before they host Barcelona.
"Napoli changed their coach in a surprising way, they have their reasons, but it's not an easy match to prepare for, as we don't know what to expect," Xavi told the eve-of-match press conference on Tuesday.
He added: "The new manager knows the team well. I have no idea what tactical system he's going to use.
"What's important is to focus on our style of play and what we want to do, on our ambitions which are to reach the quarterfinals.
"What is certain is that we will have to defend well up against their very strong attacking trio.
"(Victor) Osimhen, (Khvicha) Kvaratskhelia and (Matteo) Politano can turn a game."
Napoli, last season's Serie A champions under Luciano Spalletti who is now with the Italian national team, are once again trying to start afresh after sacking their second manager of a disastrous season - Spalletti's replacement Rudi Garcia was axed in November.
Despite the state of flux at Napoli, Xavi denied his side were favourites going into the tie.
"It's 50-50, we'll see tomorrow who is favourite at the end of the game," added Xavi who has announced he is stepping down as Barca boss at the end of the season.
"It doesn't change anything for me nor for my team. I'm motivated, and want to pass that motivation onto the team.
"When you are a player or manager at Barcelona the pressure is always the same and it's very strong."
Barcelona, five time title-holders, failed to make it out of the group stage of the Champions
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