In recent months, Xavi Hernandez has begun to share details about his two-year stint as head coach of Barcelona. The 46-year-old took charge in November 2021 and stabilized the team, though his departure in the summer of 2024 sparked considerable discussion, including from Xavi himself.
Xavi discussed this period during an interview with Brazilian football legend Romario. According to MD, he spoke with pride about his managerial career, while also acknowledging that being a head coach was significantly more demanding than being a player at Barcelona.
“I am very proud. The club was at its lowest point in its history. We managed to make the team competitive and won two titles. We left a foundation of young players who are now the core of this team.”
“Managing was much harder than playing. I believed I would continue, so we had an agreement with Laporta, but a personal issue with someone at the club prevented us from continuing. We established a good base that Flick is now benefiting from with his good work. I made significant demands of Laporta when I joined, but after winning the league, my demands lessened, which cannot happen again. My initial message was that I was there to help, not out of ego.”
Xavi: I Tried to Sign Messi, Neymar, and Pedro
Xavi had previously stated his efforts to persuade Barcelona to re-sign Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023, when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain was ending. He has now revealed that he also wished to bring back two other former teammates: Neymar Junior and Pedro Rodriguez.
“I managed to bring Dani Alves back and attempted to bring back Neymar, Pedro, and Messi when I was coach. Pedro and Neymar could not be re-signed due to the club’s financial situation, and Messi’s return was not desired by Laporta. There was an opportunity with Neymar, but it didn’t materialize either. This was due to our very challenging economic circumstances. Financial fair play rules severely restricted us, along with the salary cap.”
