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 admitted on Sunday after the 3-3 draw at the Olimpic Lluis Companys Stadium against Granada that "mistakes" in defence "are killing" the team this season.
"Today we lost two points because of defensive mistakes. In attack we have been good and we have created chances. Defensive mistakes are killing us this season," summed up the Egarvian coach from the press room at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Xavi acknowledged that Granada played "a game of duels", in which "the centre-backs pressed the midfielders", and that made it difficult for them to "get into rhythm" with the ball, especially because today Barcelona didn't have strikers who could run at the back of the opposition defence.
"The second goal is amazing, you can't explain it. It's a summary of the season. You score three goals and concede three. It's very difficult to compete and win important things like that. Defensively we have to improve a lot. We've come from two good games and we've been working during the week, especially in defence," he added.
"This is sport. They matched us. To be honest, I think defensive mistakes kill us. The example is the second goal, this is the summary," he added.
After this draw, which leaves Barcelona ten points behind leaders Real Madrid at the end of La Liga's 24th matchday, Xavi assured that "the objective is not to throw in the towel" and, although he does not take "La Liga for granted", "it is difficult" after having taken "a step backwards" in the competition.
Xavi explained that Ronald Araujo, who came on as a substitute on Sunday, is physically well, but he opted to field Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez in the back four to give the Uruguayan a rest and because "it was a good day to thread passes
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