Xavi’s first words after being confirmed as Barcelona manager

It took time and a lot of effort, but Barcelona were finally able to confirm the appointment of Xavi Hernandez as their new manager.

The Barcelona legend returned to Camp Nou six years after he left as a player, as he prepares to take charge of the first team and lead the club back to the glory days. Xavi has signed a contract till the summer of 2024 and will be presented to the media on Monday, November 8.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup winner spoke to the press at the Doha airport before flying with his family to Barcelona. And, he expressed his pleasure to be returning back to his ‘home’ while expressing his gratitude to the officials of both Barcelona and Al Sadd for making the deal happen.

Xavi happy to be heading back ‘home’

As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, he said: “I’m very happy, imagine, it’s the biggest challenge of my career, a major challenge, I’m going home to Barça and I am very happy. Everyone has done their part, especially the club, I am very grateful to Barça and their trust.

“They have come to Doha, there was a contract termination and we have all done our part. I am very positive and I am very excited for everything to go well. I am very grateful to the club, really “.

Xavi admitted that the process and the negotiations were difficult and complicated. He was thankful to vice-president Rafa Yuste and director Mateu Alemany for getting the deal over the line with great ‘enthusiasm’.

Hard work is the key

The former midfielder also opened up on his plans once he takes over at Barcelona, saying: “We will work to the maximum. In the end we are Barça, we are in the best club in the world and the best club in the world has to win, we cannot tie or lose. Therefore, maximum requirement. 

“We will try to make the players happy. We will have to work hard and with the clear objectives of trying to win, it is clear. I am very positive and will have to work a lot to make things click. “

The 41-year-old then revealed that the first thing he would do once he takes over is to talk to the players at Barcelona and assess the situation. “In the end I have also experienced bad situations, it is not the best moment in the history of the club but I want to explain what my idea is. And work hard, make a team.

“I think it is a matter of teamwork and I am looking forward to do things well. But obviously I need to talk to them to see how they are. I am also very grateful to Sergi Barjuan and his work because today there is a game and it is very important. Teamwork is the most important thing.”

Familiar faces

Xavi will see familiar faces once he takes over as he shared the Barca dressing room with players like Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto. The Spaniard claimed that it was an advantage to have players with their experience and know-how on the roster.

“I see it as an advantage, it has already happened to me at Al Sadd. I know five players very well because they were teammates and I see it as a positive point because I know how they train, I know what they are like, and they are the team captains. I see it as an advantage,” he declared.

Xavi is scheduled to arrive at El Prat airport at around 1 pm later today. The 41-year-old will not travel to Vigo to watch Barcelona play Celta Vigo in La Liga. He will instead follow the contest on television. As iterated earlier, his presentation is scheduled for Monday with his first game in charge set to come on November 20, against Espanyol.