Barcelona is on the road to a treble under Hansi Flick, as the German manager clinches major headlines for being its main architect. Nothing can be taken away from Flick’s sensational run with Barcelona, but do not let this spotlight take credit away from Xavi Hernandez, the founder of the real change at Barca. Let’s rewind and remember how the legend must be appreciated more as he forged the spine of this current Barca team.
The Invisible Hand Behind Flick’s Flawless Barcelona Machine
Hansi Flick is undoubtedly a winner, and he has infused his ways within this current Barcelona team. While his run is superb, it’s also important to remember who gave these super kids a chance to feature in the first place. It was Xavi Hernandez. Take Saturday’s Copa del Rey final hero, Jules Kounde, whose screamer in the 116th minute buried Los Blancos. He was signed by Xavi in 2022 amid financial chaos. Xavi made the Frenchmen choose Barca over Chelsea, and now Kounde is one of the best right-backs in the world.
Raphinha, the Balon d’or favorite this season, was too ridiculed when he flopped his first season. But Xavi foresaw his technical grit, fluidity, and gameplay. And now Flick is cashing in those players recruited by Xavi’s stubborn vision. Xavi is like the invisible hand behind Hansi Flick’s treble-charging team right now.
Xavi’s Faith in Youth Has Built Barca’s Golden Core
The team Hansi Flick has inherited is definitely very young and needs a coach who develops youth. But the youth Flick has been provided with is one of the finest batches in football history. Show me one youngster who did what Lamine Yamal is achieving at 17. The youngster is rewriting history and becoming one of football’s greatest talents. However, let’s rewind to 2023.
A young 15-year-old Lamine was given a debut, and speculations were made worldwide. Why play such a young player and keep betting on La Masia? And then there was Fermin Lopez, a midfielder who cost 0 Euros and now keeps outshining midfielders worth 100 million Euros. Or Gavi, the warrior spirit Xavi nurtured through the injury phase. And let’s not forget Alex Balde, who is arguably the best left-back in the world right now. It was Xavi who planted all these seeds during a dire 2022-23 campaign. Let’s not forget this man, guys.
Erasing Xavi’s Role in Barca’s Revival is Surely a Crime
Barcelona was such a mess, in the post-Messi era. The losses in clasicos, trophyless campaigns and European humiliations were becoming a trend for Barca. Xavi Hernandez inherited a 1.3 billion Euros debt, a locker room of mercenaries and a fanbase full of despair. It was dead wood. But from those ashes, Xavi rebuilt, redesigned and not Flick is reclaiming.
That same squad, is now seasoned under Flick’s dominating footballing tactics. They are on top of La Liga, are fighting for a treble and reckoned as best in the world. But football is cruel, because everyone has literally forgotten Xavi Hernandez. He dragged Barca from 9th to 2nd in one season, and managed to win La Liga with just his defense. His contributions for this team, must never be forgotten.