Following the departure of Ronald Koeman, Barcelona have completed the appointment of club legend Xavi, as confirmed by Al-Sadd, who released a statement saying: “The Al-Sadd administration has agreed on Xavi’s move to Barcelona after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract. We’ve agreed on cooperation with Barcelona in the future”
Having just previously managed Al-Sadd, before leaving for Barcelona, Xavi’s managerial CV isn’t exactly filled with experience. One thing he is an expert on, however, is Barcelona. The former midfielder spent 17 years at the Catalan club, and won countless honours in some of the best teams that football has ever seen.
The side that Xavi is overseeing contrasts entirely to the sides he played in at the Nou Camp. But, he will already be well aware of that; he will know the extent of the task ahead.
Barcelona Complete Xavi Appointment
Instant Success Unlikely
Such is the state of disarray at Barcelona right now, no manager in the world could walk in and enjoy instant success. This is a project. And that suits Xavi, who has the opportunity to mould his managerial career from here. The Spaniard will still have talent at his disposal, albeit without the needed experience to leap straight out of the glaring hole dug by the greed covered hands of those at the top, and will be keen to establish a clear plan with that talent.
As of right now, Barcelona sit 9th, nine points adrift of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, and six adrift of the Champions League places. Although the pressure of silverware won’t be on Xavi, he’ll certainly be expected to finish inside the top four. Just the thought of Barcelona in the Europa League next season is enough to send shockwaves through the football world; it may well become their reality if they fail to pick up form, however.
Xavi will know the task at hand; he will know the pressure placed upon him, and he will know just how important it is to get off to a good start at the Nou Camp.
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