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.
There’s no doubt that Barcelona are in the midst of a very difficult moment. Sunday’s humiliating defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup was a very dark moment for the Catalans, and it has been reported that head coach Xavi Hernandez’s job could be on the line.
For now at least, Xavi will remain in charge, as he continues to have the backing of Joan Laporta. Another person that has the 43-year-old back is Pep Guardiola, former Barcelona manager and current head coach of Manchester City.
Speaking after collecting the award for 2023 Coach of the Year (via MD), Guardiola backed Xavi to turn things around, while also calling on the Barcelona squad to improve.
“It is easy to blame the coach, but the players have to step up. There is no secret, they are the ones who play. Not everything is the coach’s fault. The players have to take a step forward, if the coach stays until the end, the players have to show their quality, they have done it many times and will do it again.”
There’s little doubt that a big reaction is needed from Barcelona, and they will hope that it comes next weekend when they travel to take on Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin.
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