Xavi has broken his silence on his managerial reign at Barcelona, 10 months after he was relieved of his duties by club president Joan Laporta.
After a 22-year playing career, 18 of which were spent with the Catalan giants, Xavi hung up his boots and took up coaching.
He began his journey at Qatari side Al Sadd, where he spent the final four seasons of his career, before taking the reigns at Barcelona in November 2021.
Xavi spent three years at his boyhood club, winning two honours in that time – LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup in 2022-23. The following season did not bear the same fruit for Barca, who finished 10 points behind LaLiga champions Real Madrid.
Xavi announced in January 2024 that he would depart the club at the end of the campaign. Then, in a shocking change of heart, he reversed his decision and decided in April that he would stay, only to be sacked a month later anyway.
The legendary midfielder has now opened up on his tumultuous time at Barcelona, singling out the one decision he is most ‘proud’ of, while also revealing how his side’s fortunes derailed towards the latter stages of his managerial tenure.
Xavi has opened up on his managerial tenure at Barcelona, 10 months after his departure
The ex-midfielder took up coaching after he ended his 22-year playing career in Qatar in 2019
The 45-year-old told France Football: ‘Looking back, our balance – including that of my coaching staff – is very positive, because the club was in one of the worst situations in its history, even worse than in the early 2000s.
‘Tactically, [Sergio] Busquets’ departure forced us to rethink our game. I then opted for a midfield with three attacking players, which did not always bear fruit.
‘Beyond the titles, I am proud to have placed my trust in a new generation, Fermín López, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde. These youngsters embody the future of the club.’
Xavi went on to note that the departure of Barcelona’s director of football, Mateu Alemany, and their sporting director, Jordi Cruyff, was part of the reason why his side struggled in his final season at the club. Both men departed Barca at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
He added: ‘My first year and a half at Barça was very, very good. We had a good project with Mateu Alemany and Jordi Cruyff, which allowed us to finish second in LaLiga, before winning it in 2023, as well as the Spanish Super Cup.
‘Then the results were less good. The departure of Jordi and Mateu was a hard blow.’
Despite his up-and-down managerial tenure, Xavi clarified that he fulfilled his dreams at Barcelona and is grateful for the success he has enjoyed in football.
‘I am privileged, I have surpassed my childhood dreams. Wherever I go in the world, people remember me from my time at Barça, the national team and the world champion title,’ he said.
Xavi revealed that he is most ‘proud’ of his decision to trust youth during his time at Barcelona
Xavi explained that the departure of Mateu Alemany (right) and Jordi Cruyff (left) was part of the reason why Barcelona did not enjoy success in his final season at the club
Since leaving Barcelona, Xavi has been out of a job for the last 10 months, but came closest to returning to management when Man United’s entourage flew out to Spain to hold talks with him over replacing Erik ten Hag.
Although these negotiations were unsuccessful, Xavi has previously made clear his desire to manage in the Premier League.
‘I would be thrilled to work there,’ the four-time Champions League winner once told The Times.
‘Everyone tells me that the Premier League is wonderful, a great league to work in. First of all, for the passion with how they live the game. How they treat and respect you, the atmosphere and the stadiums.
‘So why not? I could see myself in England, definitely, it’s one of the things I’d like to experience in my career.’
