After Barcelona, Xavi Hernández seeks to redefine his coaching journey with a fresh and inspiring project
When Xavi Hernández stepped down as Barcelona’s head coach almost a year ago, the football world was left wondering what lay ahead for one of the game’s most iconic figures. Now, for the first time since his departure, Xavi has broken his silence, offering a glimpse into his mindset, ambitions, and the lessons learned from his time managing one of the most demanding clubs in the world.
Xavi’s tenure at Barcelona was a rollercoaster of emotions. He described the day he was appointed as “one of the happiest of my life,” a moment that fulfilled a lifelong dream. However, the reality of managing a club like Barça, with its unique pressures and expectations, quickly set in. “Barcelona is more than a club,” Xavi explained in a recent interview. “It’s a religion, a way of life.” The weight of that legacy, combined with the challenges of rebuilding a team in transition, proved to be a monumental task.
Reflecting on his time at the helm, Xavi admitted to experiencing both the best and worst moments of his career. While he celebrated winning La Liga during his tenure, the scrutiny and constant comparisons to his predecessors, particularly Pep Guardiola, were unrelenting. “I poured my heart and soul into the job,” he said, “but sometimes, even that isn’t enough.” Despite the challenges, Xavi remains undeterred, viewing his departure not as a failure but as a stepping stone to his next endeavor.
So, what’s next for the man who once orchestrated Barcelona’s midfield with unparalleled precision? Xavi is keeping his options open, stating that he is on the lookout for “an inspiring project”—a team that aligns with his vision of playing attractive, possession-based football. “I want my players to enjoy the game, to create something beautiful for the fans, and, of course, to win trophies,” he said. His admiration for coaches like Guardiola and Johan Cruyff remains evident, as he continues to draw inspiration from their philosophies while seeking to carve out his unique identity as a manager.
Interestingly, Xavi has not ruled out the possibility of coaching another team in La Liga, a league he knows intimately. “Why not?” he mused when asked about staying in Spain. While his heart will always be tied to Barcelona, he recognizes the value of stepping out of his comfort zone to grow and evolve. “Sometimes, you need to take a step back to move forward,” he remarked, signaling his readiness to embrace a new challenge.
Beyond Spain, Xavi has also expressed interest in exploring opportunities in other leagues, including France, Portugal, and even the Middle East, where he began his coaching journey. His fascination with tactical innovation and his desire to compete at the highest level, whether in domestic leagues or international tournaments, underline his ambition to leave a lasting legacy in the world of football management.
Xavi Hernández’s story is far from over. If anything, it’s entering an exciting new chapter. As he searches for his next project, one thing is clear: Xavi is not just looking to win games; he’s looking to inspire, to innovate, and to redefine what it means to be a modern football coach. The world will be watching as he takes his next steps, and if his track record is any indication, we can expect something extraordinary.
Passionate culé from Spain with an encyclopedic knowledge of FC Barcelona. My blog posts are your one-stop shop for the latest Barça news, juicy gossip, and transfer rumors. Visca Barça!