Many of the greatest coaches of the past generations have managed Barcelona at some point. Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola, and Luis Enrique are just a few such names from the history books.
Each of these coaches left their mark on Barcelona by implementing their own unique style of play and making significant adjustments, leaving behind a memorable legacy.
Xavi’s Barcelona, while still young, is already the center of attention for many. While some doubt the Spanish coach’s ways, others are beginning to see the improvement and progress. A recent win over Atletico Madrid tilts the landscape in favor of Xavi, but there is still more to do.
Up next, Barcelona will face off against Michel’s Girona at the Montjuic Stadium. Considered to be the third and last game from the trilogy of massive tests set out for Xavi, Barcelona have already gotten the better of the first two opponents.
In a way, all three of these games defined the Barça’s season. Porto’s victory ensures qualification to the UEFA Champions League knockout stage, while the one over Atletico ensures Barça remain competitive for the La Liga title.
However, as SPORT highlights, this ascension of Barcelona is reminiscent of a former version of the club. Specifically, the turnaround of Enrique’s Barcelona in 2015 during the 2014/15 season. Despite initial problems, Barça ultimately managed to turn around their fortunes and create history.
That team, centered around the mercurial talents of Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, and Luis Suarez, would go on to give Barcelona their second historic continental treble. In terms of a parallel being drawn, SPORT aligns that side’s rekindling to Xavi’s current team.
By potentially winning against Girona, Xavi could ensure his team overcomes their three biggest tests before the end of the year. Moreover, while Enrique’s side was mainly reliant on the brilliance of ‘MSN’, Xavi has his own dream trio.
Instead of the attack, however, Xavi’s trio exists within the midfield. The technical brilliance provided by Pedri, Frenkie De Jong, and Ilkay Gundogan showcased its true colors against Atletico. Controlling the game and dominating proceedings, this new midfield trio has all the potential to be special.