Barcelona club announced on Friday that manager Xavi Hernandez, 43, who joined the La Liga club on a three-year deal after the Dutchman Ronald Koeman left at the end of 2021, has extended his deal with the club until 2025 with an option for an additional year.
Xavi’s arrival brought a new perspective to first-team matters, with the Terrassa-born coach bringing his desire to get the team playing the Barça way, an identity he was familiar with during his playing days. The new coach’s challenge was to put together a team with experience and youth, which he has gradually accomplished.
Since the coach has had to adapt the team’s system to the players available and the obstacles that have stood in their way over the last 18 months, the path has not always been smooth. Initially, a clear 4-3-3 system was visible, but later innovations included a 4-4-2 with Gavi as a ‘false winger’.
Former Spain international Xavi has coached Barcelona in 96 games, winning 61, drawing 16, and losing 19. Last season, he won his first title as manager, winning the Spanish Super Cup and leading the club to its 27th league title and first in four years. Xavi played for Barcelona for 17 years, winning 25 trophies in 767 appearances, including eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
“We arrived at a difficult time, in unfavorable circumstances,” Xavi told a press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Celta Vigo. “Last year, we won two important titles. We’re in the process of transition.”
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Xavi has handed debuts to 12 La Masia players since becoming Barça coach. Since November 2021, Aleix Garrido, ngel Alarc³n, Chadi Riad, Marc Casad³, Iaki Pea, Mika Mármol, Estanis Pedrola, lvaro Sanz, Ferrant Jutgl , Ilias Akhomach, Lamine Yamal, and Fermn L³pez have all appeared for the first team.
