Over the weekend, Xavi Hernández gave a captivating interview that may impact the Barcelona presidential race. The former manager and player said that Joan Laporta, the front-runner for a fourth mandate, declined the opportunity to re-sign Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023.
One of the many subjects Xavi covered in the La Vanguardia interview was his connection with Hansi Flick, his successor. He disclosed that the two have a great deal of mutual respect and get along well.
“I have a great relationship with Hansi Flick. We communicate with each other all the time. Every time I congratulate him on the team, we discuss football. In reality, it was an honour for me when he came to my house due to a challenging circumstance. When asked to explain this “difficult situation”, Xavi was glad to learn that it had to do with Barcelona executives talking with Flick to take over as manager of the team while his predecessor was still in control.
Xavi reveals he told Barcelona to sign £60m Arsenal star
However, Xavi has now revealed his interest in signing Zubimendi and discussed the challenges he had prior to his expulsion at Barcelona in an explosive, candid interview with La Vanguardia.
When the Spanish publication asked Xavi why he had chosen to speak out after two years, he said, “For several reasons.” The first reason is because I want to present my perspective. “Out of respect for Barcelona, I chose not to say anything after I left. “People are aware of my passion for the club. Every member of my family loves Barcelona.
“I feel the need to explain myself; it’s something I’ve been carrying inside of me, and I need to clarify that the story being told by the club is completely false.” Xavi acknowledges that he made mistakes while leading Barcelona, but he believes the team consistently fell short of his “expectations” when it came to acquiring and disposing of players in the transfer market.
The renowned former Barcelona and Spain midfielder went on, “Of course we made mistakes and we’ve been very self-critical, both personally and then with the staff through meetings.”
