There has been a lot of criticism directed at FC Barcelona for the way they have handled some major issues in recent times. First came the untimely and unwanted end to Lionel Messi’s time at the club, and many soon followed. However, while some decisions were absolutely necessary, Barcelona could have perhaps handled them better.
Even the departure of Xavi Hernandez, the previous Barcelona coach, is considered by many to have been executed poorly. Despite initially claiming to have faith in the work being done by the former Barcelona icon, the board ended up prematurely parting ways with him and replacing him.
In his stead, Hansi Flick was the man that the Catalan club have entrusted to take over. From a sporting perspective and in terms of results, it is clear to see that the new Barcelona coach may have been the right choice but the way that Xavi’s exit was handled still leaves a bad aftertaste.
Despite this issue, the Spaniard did not create a big fuss or make any public comments that could have hurt the club. Even with Hansi Flick, Xavi holds no sort of ill-will and continues to support both the new coach and the club’s progression from the stands and from home.
As highlighted by SPORT, the former Barcelona coach even met with the German tactician recently and gave him his blessing in a caption that came accompanied by a picture of the two Barcelona coaches of past and present smiling together:
“All the best, Hansi! Visca el Barça.”
To see the former coach make a gesture like this only goes on to show just how much the club means to him. Despite his possible frustrations with the current board, which are justified from his perspective, Xavi continues to put Barcelona above himself and his Blaugrana allegiance continues to shine through.
During his own tenure as head coach of the Catalan giants, Xavi was able to win a La Liga title and a Spanish Supercup title with the team. He also ensured the debuts and development of talented young gems such as Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Hector Fort, and several others.
As for his achievements as a player, the list would keep going on and on. One of the most successful players in both Barcelona and Spanish history, Xavi’s devotion to the club continues even beyond any form of contractual obligation.