In a revealing interview, former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez shared significant insights into his time at the club, touching upon internal politics and transfer decisions. These disclosures are expected to impact the upcoming Barcelona presidential election, particularly concerning Joan Laporta, the current favorite for a fourth mandate. Xavi controversially alleged that Laporta declined the opportunity to bring Lionel Messi back to the club in the summer of 2023.
Xavi’s Relationship with Successor Hansi Flick
During his discussion with La Vanguardia, Xavi also addressed his relationship with his successor, Hansi Flick, emphasizing their mutual respect and ongoing communication. “My relationship with Hansi Flick is excellent. We send each other messages constantly. I always congratulate him on the team, we talk about football,” Xavi stated.
He further elaborated on a “difficult situation” that prompted Flick to visit his home. Xavi disclosed that Flick had apologized for the club’s secret negotiations with him to become manager while Xavi was still in charge. This occurred during a period when the decision to replace Xavi had been made internally but not yet communicated to him directly. “Once, he came to apologise when I asked him if the club was really negotiating with him while I was coach, in those two or three weeks when the club had already decided to do without me but no one was saying it to my face. He apologized for that,” Xavi explained, commending Flick’s character as “a good guy, very noble.”
The Denied Request for Martin Zubimendi
A key point of contention Xavi highlighted was the Barcelona hierarchy’s refusal to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer of 2023. Xavi had specifically requested the acquisition of the Real Sociedad midfielder as a replacement for the departing Sergio Busquets. However, his plea was rejected due to financial constraints. Zubimendi ultimately moved to Arsenal 12 months later.
“Busquets was going to leave, so I asked them to sign Zubimendi. They told me no because of an economic issue,” Xavi recounted. He suggested this decision, among others, marked a turning point in his tenure. “At that moment I should have left too. When we were the ones making the decisions, the team was developing and rising, but when they started making the decisions, the team’s level dropped, and that’s no coincidence.”
Criticism of the Barcelona Hierarchy
Xavi, who is backing Victor Font in the upcoming election, was notably critical of Laporta throughout the interview. He accused the then-Barcelona president of orchestrating a media campaign against him and, more distressingly, of spreading misinformation directly to players. Xavi claimed that club official Alejandro dedicated himself to speaking with players such as Sergi Roberto, Araújo, Pedri, and Raphinha, falsely informing them that Xavi intended to sell them. He also noted the departures of Jordi Cruyff, whom he felt was treated with “contempt,” and Mateu Alemany as indicative of a shift away from his vision for the club.
“They made a campaign against me in the media and, what is worse and more disappointing, Alejandro dedicated himself to talking to footballers, such as Sergi Roberto, Araújo, Pedri or Raphinha, and told them that I wanted to sell them,” Xavi said. He expressed deep hurt by these false accusations, clarifying that financial fair play regulations only led to discussions about a single potential sale, not multiple departures. He recalled a conversation with Sergi Roberto, who, as a friend and captain, directly questioned Xavi about wanting him to leave. Xavi clarified that the opposite was true, and he was being “killed precisely for wanting him to renew.”
