In an exclusive talk with Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona boss Xavi uncovered a few individual achievements that for him are the features of his vocation up to this point. Xavi is set to manage his 100th match for FC Barcelona, in the match against Porto on matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League. The Spanish manager got into a conversation with the publication, answering some quick questions, before entering into the century club.
While talking with the outlet, Xavi was asked who are the most difficult opponents he has faced during his managerial tenure at Barcelona. Replying to this, Xavi said that Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has troubled his team a lot. Also, Vinicius Jr. and Karim Benzema from Real Madrid are the ones who made his life difficult.
🗣️ Xavi: “The hardest player to stop? Rashford cost us a lot, as did Vinicius & Benzema.” pic.twitter.com/S8IHqQKWus
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) October 1, 2023
In the 2022-23 season Europa League match, Rashford played a vital role in knocking Barcelona out of the league. At Camp Nou, Rashford wreaked havoc in a deadly second-half display in which he scored one goal and played a huge part in the other.
In Copa Del Rey’s second leg at Santiago Bernabeu, Vini Jr. scored the first goal in the first-half stoppage time. Benzema added two goals early in the second half – the second from the penalty spot – to put the visitors in control and completed his hat-trick to seal the win in the 80th minute. As a result, Madrid knocked out Barcelona 4-1 on aggregate.
Xavi reveals his best match as a manager
Xavi was asked about his best match as a manager for Barcelona. Amongst plenty of matches, he chose the Supercopa Espana final against arch-rivals Real Madrid. Barcelona faced Real Madrid in January earlier this year. In the 33rd minute, Gavi opened the scoring for Real Madrid at the King Fahd Stadium. Toward the end of half-time, Lewandowski scored another goal. Pedri put the final nail in the coffin, as he netted a goal in the 69th minute.
Xavi: “Best match? The victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.” pic.twitter.com/urFFi9060M
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) October 1, 2023
Although Benzema scored a goal in the stoppage time, it was not enough to avoid the 4-1 defeat against Barcelona. This was Barcelona’s first trophy ending a drought of nearly two years. This was also Xavi’s first silverware as manager of Barcelona. As the manager of Barcelona, Xavi has won 5 out of the 7 El-Classicos he has managed.
Xavi as manager in El Classico :
5 wins out of 7 games
11 goals scored
4-0 wins
3-1 winsA nightmare for Madrid pic.twitter.com/2ssSHI31ms
— 𝑴𝑬𝑬𝑹 (@ThePedridontist) July 17, 2023
When asked which win is generally unique for him, he called attention to the local derby of the past season where Barcelona won 4-2 against Espanyol away from home. Barcelona secured their La Liga title in that match at the home of the rival citizen.
Xavi has been offered a contract extension until 2025. Xavi’s vision allies comfortably with Club President Laporta. Xavi miraculously brought a struggling Barcelona team from 9th position to 2nd position at the end of the season in 2021-22.
