With 153,000,000 euros spent on bringing footballers, Barcelona is currently the biggest spender in Europe, but also in the world. And when the administration brings you reinforcements like Robert Lewandowski, Rafinha and Gilles Kunde, then, if you are a coach, it inevitably expects express results from you. Therefore, in his second season, Xavi has the obligation to bring a trophy or at least one of the most important ones.
Barcelona has not finished the transfer window yet, and is already thinking about next summer when Lionel Messi could be a free agent again. The first man of the Catalan club, Joan Laporta, also spoke about this, saying that it is Barca’s duty to return Messi. Messi’s former teammate and current coach of the giant from Camp Nou also expressed his opinion.
“I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again.” It is utopia to focus on Leo. I wish Messi never had to leave the club. I think he deserves another chance. It is currently under contract. Yes, I would very much like him to return,” said Xavi in an interview with the Spanish media.
Until the conditions for the return of one of the greatest footballers of all time are met, Barcelona must think about the present. And that means preparing for the upcoming season and finishing the American tour. And in the coming week, the Primera members expect duels with the New York Red Bulls and the Mexican Pumas.
“We don’t play exhibition matches. For us, there are no friendly duels, only opportunities. Every minute on the field is a test. It’s about prestige, the competition is great, the fight is in minutes…” – explained Xavi.
Many talented kids have shone in Barcelona’s first team over the last two years. Starting from Ansu Fati, Pedri, Gavi… Who knows what other pearls are hidden in La Masia.
“We have many quality young players, comparable to our era of Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Valdez, capable of marking the future of this club.
Last season, Xavi put out the fire after replacing Ronald Koeman and ended the season by securing Barcelona’s runner-up title. However, now the pressure on the shoulders of the young Spanish specialist will be incomparably greater.
“Even if we hadn’t brought the players we brought in, the pressure would have been huge. I am happy that many of the requests we discussed with Mateu, Jordi and the President have been met. The pressure is reaching its peak, but I’m not afraid, the main goal this season is the titles and I don’t hide that.”
The European public tirelessly followed Barcelona’s every move in the summer football market and most of all wondered how the club emerged so quickly from what at one point looked like an unprecedented financial crisis.
“We in the club do not have that feeling. We sign players with the feeling that we are doing the right thing. How did the management manage all this? They try to balance… Of course, without breaking any rules.”
Xavi took over Barcelona in November last year, since then he has managed the team for 37 games, and his trademark was the 4-3-3 formation in which he managed to return the famous club to its former glory. However, a game with three stoppers is also being considered.
“Are we going to play 3-4-3. It is certainly one of the challenges of the upcoming season. We already practiced that formation on several occasions last competition year.”
Rafinha and Gilles Kunde are excellent additions, but there is no doubt that the biggest earthquake in Barcelona was caused by the signing of Roberto Lewandowski.
“Lewandovski is a top reinforcement. He makes a difference even when he doesn’t score goals. Due to his incredible positioning, he constantly gets into chances. We brought a top-class player.”
Journalists were also interested in the status of Gerard Pique in the upcoming season
“He is in the same position as the others. Everyone starts from scratch. Those who show themselves the best will play.”
A possible stopper tandem this season could be Araujo – Kunde.
“We have more stoppers available. I spoke to Kunde. He came to compete, to make a difference and I think he can do that. He has leadership skills. I am happy about his arrival. He will give us more opportunities. Strength. He can also play on the wing, like Araujo. This means that the competition will be even stronger.”
After an incomplete season on the Barcelona bench, Xavi’s coaching dynasty has already begun to be talked about in the press, but the Catalan legend stands in the way of any further controversy.
“Nothing from that. My career has just begun. That’s why all the comparisons with Pep and Cruyff don’t make sense. I want to bring Barça back to the top”, concluded Xavi.
