Xavi Promises To Return Winning Mentality To Barcelona
Newly appointed Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has promised to return a winning mentality to the club at his unveiling on Monday.
The 41-year-old was named as Barcelona's new manager to replace Ronald Koeman over the weekend and has been presented before a crowd of 10,000 at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona have retrogressed in recent seasons, evidenced by throwing away a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Celta Vigo this weekend.
The Catalan giants are in chaos on and off the pitch, but Xavi is convinced he can things around by drawing inspiration from some of the he played under during his spell as a player at the club.
"Many times I think about advice from the likes of Frank, Van Gaal, [Johann] Cruyff, Guardiola, Luis Enrique and my father," he said at a news conference on Monday.
"Guardiola in particular was a reference for me as a player and a manager. I think he's the best manager in the world.
"If people want to compare me with him, that's a positive. Of course I understand the pressure of this job. I understand this is the best club in the world.
"We have to demand everything from our players. There are high expectations but that's a good thing. We have to work hard to get back to winning trophies."
"I don't want to cry, but thank you very much to all the fans, to all the club, it's just amazing," Xavi continued.
"I can say one thing, we are the best club in the world, and we are gonna work to try and win many titles. Barca cannot draw or lose, we have to win every single game.
"This a dream come true. I return with the maximum responsibility of being the coach of the first team. We must work and bring order.
"The objective is to steady the ship of Barcelona, to enjoy and win. Barca is my home and I really want to face this challenge.
"It is a delicate moment in economic and sporting terms, but I am prepared, together with my staff."
Xavi's first game in charge of Barcelona will be against Espanyol after the international break.
"I'll say it again: We have to demand the most of ourselves, knowing that we are Barca," Xavi added. "We cannot play to draw or lose – we have to win.
"We have to work hard, knowing we have a game with Espanyol coming up. We have to be able to compete against any opponent."
Xavi won eight La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, three Copa del Reys among other honours during his time as a player at Barcelona.
