Barcelona manager Xavi backed by ex-teammate Andres Iniesta

Newly-appointed Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has received support from fellow club legend and former partner-in-crime Andres Iniesta.

Following the sacking of Ronald Koeman, Barcelona decided to bring in another club legend to steady the ship at Camp Nou, as Xavi Hernandez was handed the reins of the first team.

The 41-year-old is a revered figure at Camp Nou and is one of the greatest midfielders of the modern era. However, he does not have a great deal of managerial experience. The 2010 FIFA World Cup winner managed Qatari club Al Sadd since 2019 and led the team to seven trophies in his short time at the club.

However, the jump from Qatar Stars League to La Liga and the UEFA Champions League will be huge. The challenge will be made much harder by Barcelona’s current malaise as they struggle for form while being hit with a spate of injuries. They are currently languishing in ninth place in La Liga, eleven points off of leaders Real Sociedad.

So, Xavi has a huge task at hand as he gears up to bring back glory days at Camp Nou. However, his former partner in the middle of the park, Andres Iniesta, believes that the ex-Al Sadd boss is the perfect fit for the Blaugrana.

In an interview with  beIN Sports, as quoted by Barca Blaugranes, Iniesta said, “He’s ready – he’s been preparing, and he’s capable. He’s a perfect fit, that’s for sure. Not just because of what he may know about La Masia or the club, but because he’s ready for it. It’s important, not just because of what he represents as player but as a coach. He is ready to face this challenge.”

“I wish him all the luck in the world and I am convinced that he will be fine because he has prepared for this moment and is very excited to be able to take on this challenge. I hope that the circumstances arise for him to be successful. I wish him the best.”

Xavi’s first game in charge will come on November 20 when Barcelona host local rivals Espanyol in the Catalan Derby. He will be aiming to get off to a winning start to set the tone for the rest of his tenure.

Newly-appointed Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has received support from fellow club legend and former partner-in-crime Andres Iniesta.

Following the sacking of Ronald Koeman, Barcelona decided to bring in another club legend to steady the ship at Camp Nou, as Xavi Hernandez was handed the reins of the first team.

The 41-year-old is a revered figure at Camp Nou and is one of the greatest midfielders of the modern era. However, he does not have a great deal of managerial experience. The 2010 FIFA World Cup winner managed Qatari club Al Sadd since 2019 and led the team to seven trophies in his short time at the club.

However, the jump from Qatar Stars League to La Liga and the UEFA Champions League will be huge. The challenge will be made much harder by Barcelona’s current malaise as they struggle for form while being hit with a spate of injuries. They are currently languishing in ninth place in La Liga, eleven points off of leaders Real Sociedad.

So, Xavi has a huge task at hand as he gears up to bring back glory days at Camp Nou. However, his former partner in the middle of the park, Andres Iniesta, believes that the ex-Al Sadd boss is the perfect fit for the Blaugrana.

In an interview with  beIN Sports, as quoted by Barca Blaugranes, Iniesta said, “He’s ready – he’s been preparing, and he’s capable. He’s a perfect fit, that’s for sure. Not just because of what he may know about La Masia or the club, but because he’s ready for it. It’s important, not just because of what he represents as player but as a coach. He is ready to face this challenge.”

“I wish him all the luck in the world and I am convinced that he will be fine because he has prepared for this moment and is very excited to be able to take on this challenge. I hope that the circumstances arise for him to be successful. I wish him the best.”

Xavi’s first game in charge will come on November 20 when Barcelona host local rivals Espanyol in the Catalan Derby. He will be aiming to get off to a winning start to set the tone for the rest of his tenure.