Barcelona Legend Defends Xavi Hernandez, Credits Him for Starting a New Era at the Club

In a recent analysis, Barcelona legend Thierry Henry weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the club’s managerial transition from Xavi Hernandez to Hansi Flick. Despite the success Barcelona has experienced under Flick, Henry believes it is Xavi who should be credited with starting a new era for the club, not Flick.

Henry’s comments stem from what he sees as an unfair narrative among some Barcelona fans who have begun to question Xavi’s tenure as manager. While acknowledging that Xavi faced his challenges, including moments of inconsistency, Henry emphasized the crucial role Xavi played in bringing order to the club at a time of turmoil. Under Xavi’s leadership, Barcelona clinched the La Liga title with a squad brimming with young talent, and Henry insists that Xavi laid the groundwork for the club’s current success.

As a former teammate of Xavi’s at Barcelona between 2007 and 2010, Henry has firsthand knowledge of the Spanish manager’s ability and influence on the team. In his analysis for CBS Sports, Henry firmly stated, “I don’t think Hansi Flick started a new era, Xavi did.”

Xavi left Barcelona at the end of last season, leaving behind a team that was in the process of transition. Henry explained that it was Xavi who had the courage to give youth players a chance, bringing academy graduates like Gavi and Alejandro Balde into the fold. He further commended Flick for continuing the work that Xavi had started, particularly with players like Lamine Yamal, who have now become central figures in the team.

“Flick has continued what Xavi did with Cubarsi and Yamal who have now come up,” Henry noted. “Now the work Xavi had been doing for two years with these players has been consolidated.”

Henry, who is now a prominent football analyst, also highlighted Barcelona as one of the strong contenders in the UEFA Champions League this season, praising their current trajectory under Flick’s stewardship. Despite acknowledging that the team may face setbacks, he firmly believes that Barcelona is on the right path.

“Barcelona are one of the favorites to win it,” Henry said. “They can lose, but they are on the right path.”

As Barcelona continues to build on its legacy under new management, Henry’s comments serve as a reminder of the strong foundation Xavi left behind, one that Flick is now building upon. With a blend of experienced stars and exciting young talent, the future looks promising for the Catalan giants.