FC Barcelona are thriving this season under German coach Hansi Flick, who took the reins from Xavi Hernández at the start of the campaign. The former Bayern Munich boss has not only revitalized the team with an exciting, high-energy style of play but has also shown great faith in La Masia, integrating several homegrown talents into his first-team plans.
Many of the young academy players who are cornerstones of Hansi Flick’s team right now were given their first-team debuts by Xavi. The Spanish tactician introduced the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Fermin Lopez who have now become household names.
As well as Flick has done with the team so far this campaign, one cannot deny the fact that the foundations for this team were laid by Xavi during his tenure as Barcelona manager. The German coach is reaping the rewards of the same.
Photo Courtesy: Xavi’s Instagram account
Earlier this season, there was a photo that emerged which pictured Flick and Xavi together, and it was a beautiful one for all Barcelona fans. Recently in an interview with the Athletic as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish tactician was asked what the conversation was about.
Here is what he had to say:
“Hansi came to see me and we spoke for two hours. We have a good relationship and he said to me: ‘Thank you very much. What you helped create here makes me happy. The players train hard and learn from you.'”
Xavi also mentioned that he had a few words of advise to offer to the current Barcelona coach. He said:
“Don’t follow anything from the media or you’ll go crazy. Focus on the team, because if you’re from here you suffer a lot.'”
Mutual admiration
Xavi’s love for Barcelona can never be questioned and he was the first one to hold his hands up and offer to leave when things were going south last season. Nothing would make him happy than to see this crop of players perform well under Flick’s tutelage.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
However, the Spaniard’s words also offer insight into just how much he has been affected by what the media did to him at Barcelona. He was often seen waging a lone fight in the press and his words to Flick reflect just that.
From that perspective, it might be a blessing in disguise for Flick that he actually doesn’t understand much Spanish or Catalan and hence, is unlikely to be reading too much into what the media talks about him and the team.
Looking ahead: What’s next for Xavi?
As for Xavi, Barcelona fans are watching closely to see where his managerial journey takes him next. With time and the right environment, there’s little doubt the Spanish tactician can build something truly special once again. Until then, his influence continues to echo at the Camp Nou—quietly but unmistakably present in every step this young, dynamic team takes under Flick’s guidance.
