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 said that Sunday's game at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid has become "the most important of the season", as the 'Cules' are forced to win to stay in contention for the only title they have left.
"We have the opportunity to stay alive in La Liga," said the coach, who admitted that Real Madrid will come into the game "reinforced in terms of spirit" after knocking out Manchester City in the Champions League.
"Real Madrid's success is no coincidence. In three years they have eliminated the best team in the world, City. We compete against them in Spain," he continued.
We have to make a change of mind-set. I see the team doing well, with all the enthusiasm in the world to fight for this league. We have to use the anger, frustration and impotence of the other day to our advantage to dominate the game," reflected Xavi in reference to the recent Champions League elimination against PSG.
The Catalan coach acknowledged that Barcelona missed out on "a very favourable situation" to reach the semi-finals because of mistakes made, but was convinced that this experience will serve as a learning experience to compete better next year in Europe's top competition.
Xavi assured that "there is no problem" in the dressing room due to Ilkay Gundogan's criticism after the defeat against PSG, and remarked that the Santiago Bernabeu is "the perfect stage to show the team's personality" and stressed that they see themselves capable of winning at La Liga leader's ground.
"Real Madrid will surely press in the first few minutes of each half. We will have to be brave with the ball and not lose it, dominate and calm the high pressing they will do", he concluded.
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