Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, has high hopes for Xavi Hernandez in his new role as the head coach of FC Barcelona. Guardiola emphasized that Xavi will succeed in his own way and refused to draw comparisons between him and his former Barcelona player.
Xavi has had an impressive career with Barcelona, playing 767 matches across all competitions, making him the second most-capped player for the Catalan club after Argentine star Lionel Messi, who played 778 matches.
Xavi returned to Camp Nou yesterday as the team's coach, amid challenges both economically and on the field. Guardiola was present during Xavi's presentation at the Camp Nou and advised his former player not to dwell on Barcelona's past successes, but to focus on creating success in his own manner.
Guardiola stated, "I was not a successor to anyone, and Xavi does not have to be a successor to me. If Joan Laporta's choice fell on Xavi, it is because there are millions of positives and few negatives."
He added, "He knows the club and will bring positive energy, considering how much he enjoys football and his determination. He always looks at the bright side of things."
The former Barcelona coach concluded by saying, "Through his stature, determination, and efforts, I am confident that he will improve the club's situation."
