Barcelona Have Announced That Xavi Hernandez Has Become The New Coach
Xavi takes over following the dismissal of Ronald Koeman on 27th October following the 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
It was coming and it has finally arrived. Former Barcelona player Xavi Hernandez has returned to the Catalan giants, but this time as a coach. He has penned a contract at the club until 2024.
Xavi Hernandez had been Barca president Joan Laporta’s first choice to take over from Ronald Koeman, who was sacked following the 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano on 27th October. Xavi joins the Catalan giants after Barca reached an agreement with Al Sadd, the Qatari club Xavi was coaching before moving to the La Liga outfit.
Despite the fact Xavi’s contract included a clause which allowed him to leave for Barca whenever he wanted, it has not been so straight forward for the Spanish club. Barca wanted to get him immediately, but Al Sadd refused to release him until 3rd November so that Xavi could remain in charge for two important Al Sadd matches before departing. In the end, Barca agreed to this arrangement.
Xavi’s replaces Barca B coach Sergi Barjuan, who had taken over on a caretaker basis for three games until Xavi could join up with the squad. The 41 year-old has got two years of experience coaching Al-Sadd and has won seven trophies for the Qatari outfit. He will also bring his own coaching team with him including his brother Oscar Hernandez, his assistant Sergi Alegre and fitness trainer Ivan Torres.
The former Barca midfielder’s first game in charge will be the home fixture with Espanyol on Saturday 20th November at 21:00 CET. That will be Barcelona’s first game after the international break and Laporta will be hoping that Xavi can be the man to turn things around at a club who are going through tough times.
