Addis Ababa, November 9, 2021 (Walta) – Barcelona has presented Xavi Hernandez as their new head coach in front of thousands of fans at the Camp Nou on Monday.
The 41-year-old Barca great signed his contract, which runs until 2024, on the pitch alongside club president Joan Laporta.
“It`s a historical day for Barcelona. Welcome, Xavi,” an emotional Laporta told the supporters during the ceremony where the ex-midfielder was accompanied by his family.
“Thank you all. I don’t want to get emotional but I am, I feel goosebumps,” Xavi told the fans.
“This is the biggest club in the world and I`m going to work hard to reach your expectations. Barcelona can`t accept a draw or a defeat. We have to win all the games.”
Xavi joined after Barca paid his release clause with Qatari club Al-Sadd. He will replace the sacked Ronald Koeman.
“I come prepared. My DNA didn`t change. We need to take charge, have the ball, create opportunities, be intense. We have a mission to rescue many things that were lost,” Xavi said.
Struggling Barca are ninth in LaLiga, 11 points adrift of leaders Real Sociedad and 10 behind arch-rivals Real Madrid.
After the presentation Xavi talked about how discipline will be a major factor in his project as Barcelona manager.
“We have to start with new rules that are going to be strict. It`s not a matter of being tough, it`s about having norms,” he told reporters.
When we had norms in the locker room things were good, when we didn`t, it went bad. So, we need to have order. Being professionals, Reuters learnt.
“It`s a medium to long-term project but we`ll need to work really hard to find the results. The expectation and the demand will be the highest. No excuses will be made or accepted.”