From 9th place to a La Liga title in 18 months and 8 days.
Xavi has had help, shown weaknesses, but hard to argue that that is not a fantastic job. Ending 3 seasons run with only a Copa, here are some of things he has done well (what has to improve will be analysed all summer)β¬οΈ
Xavi has had help, shown weaknesses, but hard to argue that that is not a fantastic job. Ending 3 seasons run with only a Copa, here are some of things he has done well (what has to improve will be analysed all summer)β¬οΈ
MARC-ANDRE TER STEGEN
Many were ready to sell the German after two down years, but Xavi backed him, restored his confidence and got back a leader and arguably the player of the season in La Liga.
The differential factor, an outstanding season.
Many were ready to sell the German after two down years, but Xavi backed him, restored his confidence and got back a leader and arguably the player of the season in La Liga.
The differential factor, an outstanding season.
ALEJANDRO BALDE
Easy to say today. Was more or less discarded as a starting option in the near future last season. Xavi didn't look back and he has kept improving since, sitting two veterans for him.
19 years of age, he looks like the future at left-back for many years to come.
Easy to say today. Was more or less discarded as a starting option in the near future last season. Xavi didn't look back and he has kept improving since, sitting two veterans for him.
19 years of age, he looks like the future at left-back for many years to come.
THE DEFENCE AS A WHOLE
Barcelona have not been defensively solid for some time, and Andreas Christensen has slotted in brilliantly.
Perhaps not the best defence ever, as numbers suggest, but they are by far and away the best in Spain. It's what titles are built on.
Barcelona have not been defensively solid for some time, and Andreas Christensen has slotted in brilliantly.
Perhaps not the best defence ever, as numbers suggest, but they are by far and away the best in Spain. It's what titles are built on.
TRANSITION FROM VETERANS
Gerard Pique is retired, Sergio Busquets is leaving and Jordi Alba is on the bench.
Busquets is still key, but moving on from all 3 was essential, and so far has been handled without public dissent, or burning bridges, despite personal relations.
Gerard Pique is retired, Sergio Busquets is leaving and Jordi Alba is on the bench.
Busquets is still key, but moving on from all 3 was essential, and so far has been handled without public dissent, or burning bridges, despite personal relations.
PEDRI
Easy to forget that Pedri was very much in the middle third of the pitch when Xavi arrived.
Now he scores, creates and threatens in the final third. Relies on him too much, but it's partly because he's so good, and he's added more to his game with Xavi.
Easy to forget that Pedri was very much in the middle third of the pitch when Xavi arrived.
Now he scores, creates and threatens in the final third. Relies on him too much, but it's partly because he's so good, and he's added more to his game with Xavi.
OUSMANE DEMBΓLΓ
Xavi has recovered a player that was a lost cause in many eyes. The Frenchman is a useful asset again, committed to the club, and arguably their most dangerous player.
A big part of their title win, and when fit, makes better decisions.
Xavi has recovered a player that was a lost cause in many eyes. The Frenchman is a useful asset again, committed to the club, and arguably their most dangerous player.
A big part of their title win, and when fit, makes better decisions.
FRENKIE DE JONG
Very tricky to toe the club line and maintain the confidence of the player when Barcelona spent all summer trying to sell him.
At the time, you could make a decent argument for selling him. Has found a role for him and gotten consistently good performances.
Very tricky to toe the club line and maintain the confidence of the player when Barcelona spent all summer trying to sell him.
At the time, you could make a decent argument for selling him. Has found a role for him and gotten consistently good performances.
TIPPED THE SCALES AGAINST REAL MADRID
4-3 record against Los Blancos currently, and with what most people would agree is a worse team pound for pound.
Also snapped a five-game losing streak, showing Barcelona can look their rivals in the eyes again - crucial for Barca.
4-3 record against Los Blancos currently, and with what most people would agree is a worse team pound for pound.
Also snapped a five-game losing streak, showing Barcelona can look their rivals in the eyes again - crucial for Barca.
KEPT THE PEACE
Xavi has the advantage of his reputation backing him up, but Caso Negreira, salary limit drama, massive squad turnover, more or less an institutional crisis per week.
Many managers would have struggled to keep the football separate, and the players focused.
Xavi has the advantage of his reputation backing him up, but Caso Negreira, salary limit drama, massive squad turnover, more or less an institutional crisis per week.
Many managers would have struggled to keep the football separate, and the players focused.
I have no doubt this will be one of the sweetest of many, many titles he has won.
Gaudeix.
Gaudeix.
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