Xavi Reflects on Leadership Lessons After Barcelona Tenure

When Xavi Hernandez assumed the role of head coach at FC Barcelona in late 2021, a wave of optimism swept through Camp Nou. As a club icon, he embodied both hope and identity, tasked with restoring stability to a team grappling with financial difficulties and inconsistent performances. His influence was felt immediately; under his guidance, the Catalan giants secured the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup in his second season, rekindling a sense of pride and competitiveness. However, what initially appeared to be a revival gradually unraveled.

The 2023-24 season saw Barcelona falter in various competitions, their confidence waning amid tactical confusion and diminished intensity. Increasing tensions between players and management became evident, ultimately leading to Xavi’s dismissal.

Months after his exit, Xavi has publicly reflected on his tenure, admitting that his second full season revealed significant flaws in his leadership and accountability. Speaking at a leadership conference at ESIC University, he provided an honest evaluation of his coaching period, acknowledging both the pride in his accomplishments and the regret over subsequent outcomes.

“I embarked on my coaching journey at Barcelona with high expectations for both the players and the club,” Xavi stated. “The club had just come out of a phase with few demands, but my error was in maintaining those elevated standards for only one year, from my arrival until we claimed La Liga and the Super Cup.”

In contemplating his downfall, the 45-year-old acknowledged that discipline and focus within the squad deteriorated, and he failed to address the issue effectively.

“In hindsight, I became self-critical and asked myself, ‘What happened to me?’ I realized I had lowered those high standards, and the players no longer exhibited the same attitude, respect, and effort. The standards continued to decline until, in my final season, we achieved nothing. I learned a great deal from this experience and recognized the need for self-criticism.”

This candid admission marks the first instance where Xavi has publicly accepted responsibility for losing control of the dressing room, a confession that resonates deeply with the club’s supporters, many of whom regarded him as the epitome of the Barcelona philosophy.

Since his departure from Barcelona, Xavi has opted for patience rather than urgency in considering his next managerial role. Although he has attracted interest from several prominent clubs, including Manchester United, he has made it clear that his next position will be determined by project vision rather than mere prestige.

Notably, he declined an approach from Spartak Moscow, reportedly turning down the offer due to concerns over the club’s lack of long-term ambition. Those close to him describe his current mindset as “strategic and calm,” focused on analyzing modern football trends rather than rushing back into management. Xavi remains engaged, regularly consulting with his technical staff to dissect game models and prepare for a future return. His impressive track record — from a successful stint with Al Sadd in Qatar to guiding Barcelona to a domestic double in his first full season — underscores his capability to build success rather than simply inherit it.

As clubs across Europe with unstable management structures take note, Xavi’s name is resurfacing in conversations among major sporting directors in anticipation of upcoming managerial changes this winter. Unlike many unemployed coaches, Xavi appears poised to wait for the right challenge rather than seek immediate vindication. Sources close to him indicate that he is committed to ensuring his next role centers on constructing a vision rather than mending past issues.

Following his tenure at Barcelona, the former midfielder is prioritizing time with family while reflecting on and refining his leadership approach — qualities that could define his next chapter in coaching.