Xavi Hernandez, the departing manager of Barcelona, has cautioned prospective successors that the position will not be simple and will demand perseverance.
Xavi had a strong start at Camp Nou in 2021 and continued to succeed in the 2022-23 season, leading Barcelona to win La Liga with record-breaking defense. However, this season, they didn’t perform as well. After a series of ups and downs, Xavi managed his final game as Barcelona’s boss in a 2-1 win over Sevilla. Before leaving, he issued a warning to his successor. Xavi also expressed feeling that his work at the club wasn’t fully appreciated.
Speaking to the media, Xavi said:
“To the new manager, I tell you: You will suffer. This is a difficult job and you have to be patient.” On his time being underappreciated, he added: “I think that our work has not been appreciated enough. I took over when the team was in ninth place, finished the season in second place, and won the league the next season.”
Xavi’s most likely successor as coach is currently former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick. According to reports, the club may make an announcement about his arrival in the coming days once the German and Catalans have already signed all the necessary paperwork. According to reports, Flick is a huge fan of Barcelona and has been studying Spanish ever since it became clear that Xavi’s job was in jeopardy.
The Blaugrana, and president Joan Laporta in particular, will be hoping to provide Flick as soon as possible because of the supporters’ mistrust of the leadership following Xavi’s departure and how they were treated.
