Xavi is not my heir – Guardiola
Carlo Garganese
- 9 Nov 2021 02:45 CST
- 3 min read
Pep Guardiola has hailed Barcelona’s appointment of Xavi but says that his former player is not his heir at Camp Nou.
Xavi was officially presented as Barcelona’s new coach on Monday, having succeeded the sacked Ronald Koeman.
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The 41-year-old enjoyed a glittering playing career at Barcelona, winning every honour possible in the game and establishing himself as arguably the best central midfielder on the planet.
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Xavi’s best days at Barcelona were when Guardiola was coach as the current Man City boss led the team to a historic treble, playing some of the best football in history.
Guardiola left Barcelona in 2012, and the Blaugrana have never really found an adequate replacement since.
Xavi has now been labelled by some in the media as the long-awaited heir to Pep.
📸| Xavi in his new office. pic.twitter.com/rMTX4xGwfE
— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) November 8, 2021
What did Guardiola say about Xavi?
“I wasn’t the heir to anybody and Xavi doesn’t have to be my heir,” Guardiola said according to Marca.
“If Joan Laporta and the board have chosen Xavi then it’s because there are millions of pros and few cons.
“He knows the club and will bring positive energy, given how he enjoys football and because of his dedication. He always sees the positive side of things.
“With his class, dedication and effort, I’m sure he’ll improve the club’s situation.”
Xavi has a very difficult job on his hands at Barcelona as the club are struggling badly both on and off the pitch.
In terms of results, Barca are languishing down in ninth position in La Liga. Their chances of winning the title already look over as they find themselves 11 points off the top after 12 games.
They are also struggling in the race for the top four as they are six points behind Atletico Madrid in the final Champions League spot.
Financially, Barcelona are also loaded in debt having been estimated to be €1.3 billion in the red earlier this summer.
