Xavi gives insight into modern-day management: “We become half-psychologists, half-managers”

Speaking at a recent launch event (h/t SPORT), Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez provided an insight into football management in the modern day and touched upon how he draws from his own experience as a player.

The 43-year-old began his managerial career at Qatari club Al Sadd before taking over the reins at Barcelona in November 2021.

The former midfield icon has done a solid job during his time as manager of Barça, leading them to the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup last season.

Man-management important in football, says Xavi

Touching upon the aspects of man-management and how it becomes more important than tactics, at times, Xavi said:

“Management is almost more important than tactics. In the end we become half-psychologists, half-managers and having been a player gives you a lot of advantages.”

Further elaborating on how his playing experience helps him deal with things better, Xavi added:

“Having been an elite footballer makes me more empathetic towards the player who doesn’t play or to know what the player who needs affection is feeling…. having been a player gives you a sense of control of the dressing room.”

Throughout his playing career, Xavi played under some legendary managers like Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal, Vicente del Bosque, Frank Rijkaard, and Luis Aragones, among others.

Talking about how he has learnt specific things from each of them, the Barcelona head coach said:

“Having had many coaches means that I have learned things from all of them: from Van Gaal, from Rijkaard, from Guardiola, from Luis Enrique, from Iñaki Sáez, from Luis Aragonés.”

“I learned my group management skills from Aragones and my tactical knowledge from Guardiola. But I also look at the people skills of Del Bosque, I remember Rexach’s talks…”.

While he is now a La Liga-winning manager, Xavi stated that he misses playing football on the pitch, saying: “Sometimes I say to my players: ‘Damn it, I’d like to enjoy the ball, too.'”