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 star Ilkay Gundogan was critical of his teammates after defeat in El Clasico to Real Madrid, but has defended manager Xavi Hernandez, who has been the subject of much criticism from outside the club lately.
After their loss to Real Madrid, things have only gotten worse in terms of performance, in spite of victories over Real Sociedad and Alaves, defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk seemed a much more true result.
"It wasn't easy to leave #ManCity, but there was no better time."
"I recently visited Pep at his house in Barcelona and we talked. He told me that if I or my family needed anything, I could always contact him."
– Ilkay Gundogan (Sporx) #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/txdpgh4sCu
— Football España (@footballespana_) November 17, 2023
Speaking to Sporx, via Sport, Gundogan explained that he was glad to be in Barcelona, and that Xavi was one of the main reasons.
“Barcelona was my dream, I always wanted to play for this club one day and this summer was my chance.”
“I have a good relationship with Xavi. I came to Barcelona because of him, we are very compatible.”
“Guardiola has many years of experience, while Xavi is in his fifth season as a coach and his third in Europe, but his vision of football is very similar”.
While Barcelona lie just two points off Real Madrid in La Liga, and remain top of their Champions League group, the performances have called Xavi into question. Two years into his tenure, there has been little structure, and no clear plan on show this season, raising doubts about the direction of the side. At least publicly, players, sporting director and president have said they are all behind Xavi.
Read on football-espana.net