When Barcelona was on the verge of falling into the heap, Xavi took over. After all the chaos after Messi’s departure, a young inexperienced Xavi decided to take over a broken Barcelona. Xavi, a club legend had a vision and took a far impossible challenge that could break most. The club was battling unreal debts, constant injuries, and fading identity. Nobody ever imagined a club like Barcelona to come back from this situation, nobody saw the potential in this unbalanced team. It was Xavi who dared to take things into his own hands, he didn’t come with the mindset of a manager he joined as a Culer who knew the club needed him.
In the eyes of some newer fans, Xavi’s era was a total failure as it didn’t gloom with major titles. But for those who’ve been with the club through all thick and thin, Xavi’s contribution is beyond silverware glory.
From Crisis to Stability
When Xavi took over Barcelona, the club wasn’t just wounded it was bleeding history, pride, and consistency. This was the difficult post-Messi era which needed a proper restart.
Xavi wasn’t the one who ran away from critics and doubters, he responded on the field. He was not an ordinary manager, he loved the club thoroughly. Xavi often dug into his pockets to help the club during the financial crisis.
Father of a New Generation
One of the ideas Xavi brought to this team was long-term success. He didn’t want a temporary solution to the poor performance. Instead, he wanted a stable future. One of Xavi’s biggest contributions to Barcelona’s future was their belief in youth.
Xavi gave a break to Lamine Yamal at the tender age of fifteen. He saw Lamine’s potential and showed confidence in him. Another talent who made his debut was Pau Cubarsi. Barcelona craved a proper ball-carrying defender for years. Xavi trusted seventeen-year-old Cubarsi and made his performances look beyond his years. Both of these youngsters are starters for the current Barcelona team and were key to this season’s success. No manager in the world could take this risk in modern football.
The Bricks He Laid
Let’s revisit the transfers Xavi brought into the team. Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Inigo Martinez, and Raphinha.
Lewandowski scored 41 goals in 50 games this season under Hansi Flick. Jules Kounde and Inigo were crucial in Barcelona’s defense this season. And Raphinha doesn’t need any introduction, a mentality monster. The Brazilian showed the world why Xavi brought him to this team.
Selfless Exit
When Xavi knew it was time to pass on the legacy, he left the club without any drama. Instead of leaving the club in confusion or waiting for things to fall apart, he did something never seen in football. Xavi chose Hansi Flick to be the next coach for Barcelona. Laporta sacked Xavi before the end of last season, Xavi didn’t even accept the remaining wages showing his love for the club.
A Well Deserved Thank You
Only true Barca fans know the work Xavi put into this team. The club was fully broken and many wrote Barcelona off. Despite playing two Europa League seasons under Xavi, we all believed these steps would lead us to the right path, especially ensuring a successful future. He gave us our identity back, gave us much-needed hope, and gave us a team that Flick guided. So here is a thank you to Xavi from all Barca fans for his contribution in the tough times.