Why Is Xavi Not the Coach at Barcelona?

By Michael Ferguson

Why Is Xavi Not the Coach at Barcelona?

Barcelona, one of the most successful football clubs in history, has always been known for its beautiful style of play and commitment to nurturing young talents. As a club legend, Xavi Hernandez seemed like the perfect candidate to continue this legacy as the coach.

However, despite the immense love and respect he holds within the Barcelona community, Xavi is not currently coaching his beloved club. Let’s explore why.

The Transition from Player to Coach

Xavi Hernandez is undoubtedly one of the greatest midfielders to have ever played for Barcelona. During his illustrious career as a player, he won numerous titles with the club and was instrumental in their success under managers like Pep Guardiola. His intelligence on and off the field made him an ideal candidate for a future coaching role.

After retiring from professional football in 2019, Xavi embarked on a journey to gain experience and knowledge in coaching. He took charge of Qatari side Al-Sadd SC and quickly showcased his potential as a coach by leading them to multiple domestic titles.

The Desire to Return Home

Xavi’s heart has always belonged to Barcelona. He has often expressed his desire to return and contribute to the development of the club that shaped him as a player. In fact, it was widely speculated that he would be appointed as Barcelona’s head coach after Ernesto Valverde’s departure in January 2020.

However, at that time, Xavi felt that it was too early in his coaching career to take on such a massive responsibility. He believed he needed more experience before stepping into such a high-pressure role.

The Current Coaching Situation

Barcelona eventually appointed Quique Setien as their head coach after Valverde’s departure. Setien’s tenure, unfortunately, did not bring the desired success, and the team struggled both in domestic competitions and in Europe.

Despite Setien’s dismissal, Xavi was not immediately appointed as the coach. It is believed that the club’s board was looking for a more experienced option to stabilize the team and navigate through a challenging period.

The Future Possibilities

While Xavi is not currently coaching Barcelona, there is still hope for his return in the future. The current coach, Ronald Koeman, has faced criticism for Barcelona’s inconsistent performances, and if results do not improve, there could be an opening for Xavi to take charge.

Xavi himself has remained open about his desire to manage Barcelona one day. He understands that timing is crucial and wants to ensure he is fully prepared before taking on such a significant role.

Conclusion

Xavi Hernandez embodies everything that Barcelona stands for – style, intelligence, and commitment to youth development. Although he is not currently coaching his beloved club, his return in the future seems like a strong possibility. As fans eagerly await his homecoming, it is important to appreciate the need for experience and timing in making such crucial decisions.