In a recent interview with The Athletic, Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona coach, opened up about his aspirations and future plans in football. Currently without a team, Xavi arrived in Ciampino, Italy, where he expressed his desire to find a serious coaching project. He stated, "I’m not in a hurry, but I’d like a serious project where they tell me: ‘You have four years to work and develop an idea.’" This sentiment reflects his ambition to build a team rather than just focusing on immediate results.
Xavi, who has been linked to several clubs including AS Roma, emphasized his interest in coaching in the Premier League, citing the authentic passion found in English football. He remarked, "I’d love to coach in the Premier League; there’s a real passion there. In Spain, it’s all about the results." This perspective highlights his understanding of the cultural differences in football management between Spain and England.
When asked about the possibility of coaching a national team, Xavi responded positively, saying, "Yes. When I dreamed of becoming a coach, I imagined winning a World Cup or a European Championship. Spain? Why not? But I don’t have obsessions. For now, I’m fine just watching a lot of football and spending time with my family." His love for football remains strong, as he mentioned that he has watched as many as eight games in one day, often tuning into teams like Atalanta to observe their playing style, particularly the work of coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
As a footballer, Xavi has an impressive record, having played over 1,000 professional games, with 767 appearances for Barcelona and 133 for the Spanish national team. His accolades include being named in France Football's all-time Ballon d’Or Dream Team alongside legends like Ronaldo, Messi, and Maradona. In his home in Barcelona, he has a museum-like collection of football shirts, trophies, and memorabilia that reflect his illustrious career.
During the interview, Xavi shared a light-hearted moment with his son, Dan, who asked if he had played with various football stars. This interaction showcases Xavi's family life and his efforts to keep his children's lives normal despite his fame. He noted that his children are passionate about FC Barcelona, with Dan particularly fond of young talents like Lamine Yamal and Pedri.
Xavi’s coaching philosophy is rooted in his experiences as a player. He believes in a possession-based style of play, which he describes with the four Ps: possession, position, press, and perception. He added a fifth P: passion, emphasizing its importance in football. He stated, "Without passion, you cannot play football." This philosophy reflects his commitment to developing a team that plays with heart and intelligence.
Reflecting on his time at Barcelona, Xavi acknowledged the challenges and pressures that come with coaching at such a high-profile club. He praised the current team under Hansi Flick, saying, "We have a very good team that is only going to get better because it’s so young. Hansi came here to see me and we spoke for two hours. We have a good relationship, and he said, ‘Thank you so much. What you helped create here means I’m happy.’" This shows Xavi’s continued connection to the club and its success.
Despite leaving Barcelona at the end of the last season, Xavi remains passionate about football, watching games constantly and analyzing different styles and tactics. He mentioned his admiration for various coaches and teams, including Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, recognizing their contributions to the game. Xavi is particularly interested in how different coaches adapt their strategies based on their players and the circumstances of their teams.
His insights into the pressures faced by coaches in Spain were poignant, especially regarding the expectations placed on figures like Carlo Ancelotti, who he believes is unfairly criticized despite his success. Xavi said, "Look what has happened to Ancelotti and the people criticizing him. It’s not fair. He won 30 trophies in 10 years and he’s criticized like he’s not won anything." This comment underscores the intense scrutiny coaches face in La Liga compared to other leagues.
Xavi's vision for his future in football is clear: he seeks a long-term project where he can implement his ideas and foster young talent. He expressed a desire to work with clubs that allow for growth and development over time, contrasting this with the often short-term focus prevalent in the Spanish league. He noted, "In Spain, it’s too much about the result. You have to trust the process, like Arteta with Arsenal. He’s doing well after difficult seasons, but that trust is not always present in Spain."
As he continues to explore opportunities, Xavi remains open to various possibilities, whether that be in club management or coaching at the national level. His passion for the game is evident, and he is committed to staying involved in football, whether through coaching or simply enjoying the sport as a fan. With his extensive experience and knowledge of the game, Xavi Hernandez is undoubtedly a figure to watch in the coming years as he seeks to make his mark in a new coaching role.
