La Liga: Xavi Hernandez bemoans “unfair” comparisons with Pep Guardiola

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has said that comparisons with his former teammate and coach Pep Guardiola are not helpful for his managerial career.

Despite delivering Barcelona’s first La Liga title since 2019, Xavi has faced criticism for his pragmatic style of play, which has led to several narrow victories and a strong defensive record.

As a former player under Guardiola, who led Barcelona to unprecedented success with his “tiki-taka” philosophy, Xavi feels burdened by the expectations to replicate his style.

Speaking to TV3, he said;

“The figure of Guardiola is weighing me down as a coach. I don’t think it’s fair to constantly make the comparison. It happened to me when I was a player as well. Everyone has to turn the page.”

While Xavi said he does not feel there has been universal support for what he has achieved at the club, he does feel valued internally, with a new contract until 2026 expected to be agreed soon.

He added;

“Yes. We will come to an understanding sooner rather than later.

“I know the club will make as much of an effort as they can and there won’t be any problems. I’ll end up renewing and hopefully I can continue here for many years.”

Xavi’s tenure as Barcelona’s head coach has brought the club so much success. Barcelona has already secured the Primera Division trophy for the 2022-23 season. With their domestic success confirmed, the team will aim to end the campaign on a high note in their final match against Celta Vigo on Sunday, June 4.