Xavi speaks for the first time as Barcelona manager

Barcelona’s new manager and club legend spoke to the media for the first time about his new role and expectations at Camp Nou.

Xavi Hernandez is determined to bring order back at Barcelona in what he describes as a ‘medium-long term’ project.

After six-and-a-half years away from Camp Nou, Xavi is back. The 41-year-old has replaced Ronald Koeman as head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract until June 2024. He will take charge of first-team training on Tuesday after his official presentation on Monday afternoon.

And there it is! pic.twitter.com/yFdrGsEuNi

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 8, 2021

“I arrive at a delicate moment, but I feel prepared,” he told Barca TV. “I know that we are generating enthusiasm. It is necessary to put order and have the maximum demand.

“The project is medium-long term. There is a team to do great things.”

The former midfielder also opened up on what he expects from his players and how he aims to change things.

Xavi continued: “Training sessions will demand a lot. We have to recover many things, especially the pressure after a loss in possession.”

“There is a team and there is talent. I will try to transmit my experience to the players to achieve titles.”

He added: “I’m going to demand a lot from the players, but I will help them. For me it is an advantage to know the captains, [Sergio] Busquets, [Gerard] Pique, [Jordi] Alba, [Sergio] Roberto, and players like [Marc-Andre] ter Stegen.”

Xavi will make his debut as Barcelona manager in a Catalan derby against Espanyol on November 20 at Camp Nou.