After 918 days at the helm, Xavi Hernández has coached his final game for FC Barcelona. This marks the end of an era for the Catalan club under one of its most iconic figures.
Xavi’s journey as manager began with a narrow victory over Espanyol, secured by a Memphis Depay penalty. During his tenure, Xavi not only stabilized the team post-Messi but also brought home the 2022-23 La Liga title and the 2023 Supercopa de España.
Despite domestic successes, the Champions League remained an elusive frontier. Barcelona’s campaigns in Xavi’s first two seasons ended early, falling into the Europa League. This season, hopes were high with impressive performances, but PSG shattered their dreams at Montjuïc.
A Record of Resilience in La Liga
Xavi’s management in La Liga was notable. He took over a team struggling in ninth place and transformed them into title winners with a ten-point lead over Real Madrid in his first full season.
Over the same period, Xavi’s record in domestic competitions closely mirrored that of Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Both garnered similar points, showcasing Xavi’s competitive edge in La Liga.
Emphasis on Youth
A defining feature of Xavi’s tenure was his trust in youth. This commitment was evident as he frequently fielded line-ups featuring multiple players under 20. His faith in the potential of these young talents laid a foundation for the club’s future.
Transition to a New Chapter
The Sevilla match marked Xavi’s last game in charge, with Hansi Flick set to take over next season. This transition represents a new chapter for Barcelona as they aim to build on the groundwork laid by Xavi.
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