Xavi, Collector of Cards: A Look at FC Barcelona’s Coach Disciplinary Record

FC Barcelona’s coach, Xavi Hernández, experiences matches from the sideline just as he did on the field: with intensity and passion. It’s his way of understanding football. However, his enthusiasm has led him to receive 22 yellow cards and two red cards since taking over the helm of the Blaugrana.

“In the dugout, I always speak, I’m passionate, I protest, I get angry, I live the game… That’s how it’s worked for me, and it’s difficult to change,” confessed Xavi after the match against Porto at the Estádio do Dragão, where he was also cautioned for protesting. This Sunday, March 17, at the Cívitas Metropolitano, Xavi was sent off for the second time since coaching Barça. He was first booked for vehemently requesting a foul on Lewandowski in the center of the field. Xavi did not cease his protests, and immediately after, at the urging of the fourth official (Juan Antonio Campos Salinas), Sánchez Martínez showed him a straight red card.

Xavi’s disciplinary chapter has no comparison with the recent FC Barcelona coaches. The closest is Pep Guardiola, who, in the four seasons he managed the team, suffered three expulsions and received three yellow cards.

Xavi was first expelled this season at Getafe for protesting after being warned by Soto Grado. He was handed a two-match ban (Cádiz and Villarreal). However, what sets him apart from other coaches is the number of yellow cards: he has already accumulated 22.

In his first season (2021-22), he was cautioned in 5 matches (Sevilla, Atlético, Sevilla, Eintracht, and Rayo), and in the second (2022-23), he received 8 (Inter, Athletic, Osasuna, Espanyol, Girona, Almería, and Real Madrid – twice). In the current season (2023-24), he has two expulsions (Getafe and Atlético) and nine yellow cards (Porto, Atlético, Las Palmas, Barbastro, Athletic Club, Villarreal, Granada, and again Athletic Club and Atlético).

Guardiola, Vilanova, and Martino also faced disciplinary actions during their tenures at Barça. Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde had relatively fewer incidents with referees, with Valverde receiving six yellow cards in two and a half seasons. Additionally, other members of Xavi’s coaching staff, including players, have also been cautioned.

The 22 yellow cards Xavi has received as FC Barcelona’s coach: [Dates and matches with corresponding minute of the card shown]

One expulsion: 13.08.2023 · La Liga · Getafe-FCB (0-0): Minute 70. 17.03.2024 · La Liga · Atlético-FCB (0-3): Minute 43.