“Everyone has to turn the page” - Barcelona boss Xavi laments unfair comparison between himself and Pep Guardiola
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has opened up about consistent comparisons about his and Pep Guardiola's managerial styles.
Xavi took over as the Blaugrana manager in 2021 following Ronald Koeman's sacking. In his first full season (2022-23), the Spaniard led the Blaugrana to their first La Liga title since 2019. Barca won the league with the best defensive record, conceding just 18 goals and keeping a massive 26 clean sheets. This includes 11 1-0 wins.
Many have been critical of such a pragmatic style of play by Xavi and urged him to display more characteristics of Barcelona's tiki-taka football under Guardiola. However, the Spaniard is not on board with such comparisons and told Catalan outlet TV3 (via GOAL):
"The figure of Guardiola is weighing me down as a coach. I don't think it's fair (to constantly make the comparison). It happened to me when I was a player as well. Everyone has to turn the page."
Guardiola is known for his possession-based and dominant football, which has helped him achieve success in three leagues. He has won numerous trophies with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and currently Manchester City.
Guardiola's tiki-taka style was perhaps in its most dominant form during his four-year spell at the Camp Nou, as he won a sextuple in 2009. Xavi was an integral part of that team, contributed 36 goals and 81 assists in 208 games under Guardiola.
Xavi set to extend contract with Barcelona
Xavi took over the reins at Barca when they were ninth in La Liga. He steadied the ship and helped them finish second but ended the season trophyless.
This season, though, Xavi won two trophies. Barcelona won the Supercopa de Espana, beating arch-rivals Real Madrid in the final, and also won La Liga. The Spaniard has said that talks are going well regarding a contract extension (via GOAL):
"Yes. We will come to an understanding sooner rather than later. I know the club will make as much of an effort as they can, and there won't be any problems. I'll end up renewing, and, hopefully, I can continue here for many years."
Xavi's current contract expires in 2024 and a new one will extend his stay till 2026. While he has led Barcelona to domestic glory, they have failed to make it past the UEFA Champions League group stage in two straight seasons. He will now hope to translate domestic dominance in the continent.