In an exclusive interview on France Football, Xavi Hernandez spoke about the importance of his football philosophy and how he likes to apply it.
Out of all the players who came out from Johan Cruyff’s school of thought, Xavi Hernandez is perhaps the most advanced product of them all. He is the one who came to completely revolutionize the way in which football was regarded around the world. Today, he shares the biggest stage alongside some of the best players who ever lived in France Football’s Dream Team.
Taking a midfield spot next to Matthaus, Maradona, and Pele. Xavi is still adamant about his desire to coach at the highest level and let the world know he means business as a manager as well. Contrary to what a lot of today’s managers believe, Xavi still holds true to the notion that physique will never be more important than brains or talent to play football.
As a short man himself, he was part of arguably the greatest trio in modern football history. Next to Iniesta and Messi, together they won countless trophies playing some of the most spectacular football you’ll ever see.
Xavi’s way to look at football.
During an interview with France Football after his Dream Team induction, Xavi said: “Talent will always win. It still does simply because the main object at the center is still the ball. You have to know how to control it and put it to practice. But you need talent for that. The ones with the greatest talent will always look for a way to express themselves.
“Without that, you wouldn’t see a show anymore. All you would get is boys running behind a ball. Spectacle means great ball control, a clear shot, a decisive last pass, a great finish, a perfect reading of an airball, a beautiful defensive gesture. All of that is talent.
“I don’t think I would change anything at all if I still played today. The 2020 Xavi would be on the same line than during my last years. Eager to play dominant football, associate with the other players, having vision. I would do the exact same work. The game has changed, but not enough that the player I was no longer exists. I’d say I would be the same footballer who delivers similar performances.”
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