Xavi Hernandez said on Friday Barcelona must convert the positivity around his arrival into results, as he prepares for his first match in ...
Xavi Hernandez said on Friday Barcelona must convert the positivity around his arrival into results, as he prepares for his first match in charge against local rivals Espanyol this weekend.
Barca are ninth in La Liga ahead of Saturday’s game at Camp Nou, when a bumper crowd is expected to welcome Xavi home.
The 41-year-old played 767 times for the club and is widely regarded as one of their greatest ever players.
Xavi has a formidable task ahead of him as coach, with Barcelona adrift of the top four, let alone La Liga’s title race. The hope is that his appointment can kickstart a recovery.
“What I’ve seen in training I’ve liked,” said Xavi in a press conference.
“We have the players and we will also need the fans. The club has to translate this positivity that exists at the moment into results, starting from tomorrow.”
The majority of Barca’s players only returned from international duty this week but others like Gerard Pique, Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umtiti and Sergino Dest have been able begin regular sessions with their new coach.
“We have tried with the players who have stayed during the break to implement our idea and to analyse Espanyol,” Xavi said.
“We have not had many days to work together but a...
