Xavi Hernandez Lightens the Mood Amidst Coaching Speculations

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Xavi Hernandez almost took this adage literally in his first press conference after the painful elimination from the Copa del Rey, just before facing Villarreal at Montjuïc. Aware that his future in the role was, once again, the main topic of the day, the coach decided to take it in good humor and play down the matter, leaving behind several memorable quotes and a clear message: absolute calmness.

“We’ve been talking about my continuity since June when we lost against Arsenal in a friendly,” commented the coach with a wry smile, celebrating his 44th birthday on the 25th. “I live in a different reality than perhaps you live. I understand the club, I understand the criticism, I understand the noise, I understand there might be rumors and names of possible replacements, and I have no problem with that.”

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There was talk of Klopp, who had announced his departure from Liverpool after nine years in charge because he no longer had the energy. “I ask the nutritionist for energy every morning,” he joked again. He claimed to be calm. “Very calm,” in fact.

Confidence “Maybe I’m the only one who understands the reality and the club’s situation. It is what it is. The directors, Mateu Alemany, and Jordi Cruyff made it clear to me when I arrived that it was a historically difficult situation in all areas: economic, sporting, institutional… And I think everyone, and it’s not to praise myself, is doing a good job. Also the players and the club.”

However, the press insisted on his continuity, while Xavi only wanted to talk about Villarreal, Marcelino, his players, and Montjuïc. “It’s a question for the leaders; I’ll tell you what they tell me.” Full confidence, “forget about continuing,” things are being done well. “And the president is the most optimistic of all.” Evaluate the present In response to a question about whether he was being unfairly treated at a time of laying the foundations for Barcelona’s future, the coach wanted to make a reflection aloud. “We always value people when they leave in this club.”

He talked about Ernesto Valverde’s great work with Athletic, Ronald Koeman, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. “Here we criticize them a lot, and now suddenly, their work begins to be valued, and they are missed. I hope you miss me too!”

And he concluded: “Let’s value things now, while they are happening. I’m in the best club in the world for me; I love coming to work; I am happy. Barcelona’s historical mistake is that we value things afterward when they are no longer here. Let’s do it now.”

The Path And now only two things matter: playing well and getting results. Xavi is convinced that they can still have “a great season; that’s what I try to convey to my players.”

“I’ve been in the position for two and a half years.” He spoke of Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, the most successful coaches in Barcelona’s history, also in the trophy cabinet. The first was there for four years. The second, three. And Xavi did the math. “I have less time left than more. There will come a point when I’ll leave, rest assured.” And more laughter.