Laporta talks Xavi’s managerial debut, Messi and Iniesta return, Pedri relapse

Barcelona will usher in a new era later today as Xavi Hernandez gets ready to take charge of his first game as the manager, as the Blaugrana play local rivals Espanyol in La Liga at Camp Nou.

The former midfielder and club legend was brought in as a replacement for Ronald Koeman earlier this month. Having had two weeks with the team, thanks to the international break, the 41-year-old will have been able to get his thoughts and ideas across to the players.

Barcelona have not won any of their last four league outings and things will not get any easier against Espanyol, who have performed fairly well since getting promoted back to the top-flight.

With the club currently in the ninth position, Xavi has his task cut out as the team cannot afford to lose any more ground.

However, Barca president Joan Laporta is positive about his side’s prospects ahead of the Xavi’s debut in the dugout, insisting that he expects the team to perform well against their derby rivals.

Speaking to Cadena SER, he said: “I am optimistic for the derby. We have to win, play a good match, and start this new era with Xavi as the manager. I thought he was magnificent in the press conference.”

“Xavi, like Guardiola, is Johan Cruyff’s heir. It’s beautiful. I love listening to Xavi talking about football and watching him manage the team. I have a sensation that this will go very well.”

The Barcelona supremo also touched on the matter of midfield prodigy Pedri’s recent injury issues. The teenage wonderkid has not featured since late September due to a muscle problem.

While he was expected to be back in action in November, the 18-year-old was believed to have suffered a setback in his recovery, although it was believed he would be ready after the international break.

However, reports earlier this week emerged that Pedri had suffered another relapse in injury, which could rule him out for another month.

Laporta, however, has dismissed those reports, instead claiming that the club’s medical staff is being careful with the youngster as they do not wish to exacerbate the issue by rushing him back.

He told, “Pedri hasn’t relapsed. However, both the club and the doctors consider that his recovery can’t be rushed. These kinds of injuries need some patience.”

The president was also asked about his controversial claims regarding Messi and Iniesta’s return, to which he replied: “I talked about Messi and Iniesta’s return, but not as players… they have stated their desire publicly.”