Xavi’s Touchline Temperament: 19 Yellow Cards and Counting

FC Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi Hernández, approaches matches from the sideline much like he did on the field: with intensity and passion, reflecting his deep understanding of football. The enthusiasm and energy of the Terrassa-born coach have resulted in not just one red card but a whopping 19 yellow cards!

“In the dugout, I always talk; I am passionate, I protest, I get upset, I live the game… This approach has worked well for me, and it’s hard to change,” confessed Xavi after the match against Porto at the Estadio do Dragao, where he received a yellow card for dissent.

Xavi’s disciplinary record stands in stark contrast to recent FC Barcelona managers. The closest comparison is Pep Guardiola, who, during his four seasons at the helm, experienced three expulsions and three yellow cards. Xavi, in his current coaching stint, has surpassed Guardiola in terms of yellow cards, accumulating 19.

This season (2023-24), Xavi received his first expulsion against Getafe, resulting in a two-match suspension (Cádiz and Villarreal). However, where he truly stands out is in the number of yellow cards: four (Oporto, Atlético, Las Palmas, and Barbastro).

In his debut season (2021-22), Xavi received yellow cards in five matches (Sevilla, Atlético, Sevilla, Eintracht, and Rayo). The following season (2022-23) saw him amass eight yellow cards (Inter, Athletic, Osasuna, Espanyol, Girona, Almería, and Real Madrid twice). Xavi’s intensity on the touchline has clearly left its mark.

Comparatively, Guardiola was expelled in three matches (Bayern Munich, Osasuna, and Almería) and received four yellow cards (Athletic, Valencia, Osasuna, and Sporting) during his four-season tenure.

Xavi’s animated coaching style has not gone unnoticed by other members of the coaching staff and even players. Òscar Hernández, Xavi’s brother and assistant, received three expulsions (Atlético, Mallorca, and Barbastro) and two yellow cards (Cádiz and Osasuna).

This fervent touchline presence extends beyond Xavi, with other staff members receiving cautions, including Carlos Naval, Jordi Durán, and players like Piqué and Arnau Tenas. The 19 yellow cards Xavi has amassed underscore his passionate approach to coaching at Barcelona.