Former Barcelona player turned coach Xavi Hernandez has finally arrived at Camp Nou to take on the mantle of the coach. Two weeks ago, Barcelona fired Ronald Koeman after his dismal performance in last season and later this season. Xavi was presented in front of supporters, and the Spaniard also addressed a press conference. AP reports that Xavi disclosed that he was offered the role of Brazil football team’s coach, in that conference, but he turned it down for Barcelona.
Xavi spoke, “we spoke with the Brazilian federation. The idea was to be an assistant to (coach) Tite and to take over the squad after Qatar World Cup. But my desire was to come to Barcelona. I waited until the right moment, and I think this is the right moment. I feel I am very well prepared now.” Initially, the former midfielder had turned down the role at Barcelona when it was offered to him last year. He cited the reason as being unprepared to take on a job of such gigantic magnitude and proportion. His return to Barcelona was perhaps the biggest thing that has happened to the club in recent times. The club arranged a proper unveiling of the manager, and thousands of fans gathered to witness it as if some new star player had made a move to their club.
Monday was Xavi Day at Camp Nou! pic.twitter.com/qfhsjUsIn0
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 9, 2021
After Koeman’s departure and Barjuan’s interim takeover, Barcelona finds itself in all sorts of troubles this season. They’re currently 9th on the points table in La Liga. Simultaneously they are on the brink of getting knocked out of the UCL. They have not failed to qualify for the Round of 16 in the past 20 years and will be looking forward to maintaining that streak.
Xavi will conduct the first training session on Tuesday, albeit several players missing it due to the ongoing international break.
