Barcelona head coach Xavi spoke about the immense pressures and responsibilities that come with leading the Catalan club.
He acknowledged the constant scrutiny and criticism that follows the job.
final wins and tough defeats alike become part of daily life, and the coach worries about his family and young children as the spotlight intensifies. The reality, he notes, is that the job at Barça does not always bring financial reward or personal comfort.
Criticism can hit hard. Even when fans see a team as strong, players and coaches hear opposing voices. Xavi recalled moments when a friend would call after a difficult day to tell him he had been judged harshly and unfairly. The weight of public opinion is real, and the pressure can feel overwhelming on days that test resilience.
Yet the reward for him is clear. He explains that his connection to Barcelona goes beyond money or status. It is rooted in a desire to contribute to the club’s legacy, to help the institution he considers part of his own story. That sense of duty keeps him going even when the odds are steep.
In November 2021, Xavi took the helm at Barcelona, renewing his purpose with a contract through 2024. This marks only the second head coaching stint of his professional career in Europe after his time with Al-Sadd in Qatar, from 2019 to 2021. During that period, he guided Al-Sadd to domestic successes, including the Sheikh Yasim Cup and the Qatar Crown Prince Cup, underscoring his track record as a winner on the sidelines. (Source: club histories and official records)
Looking ahead to the Spanish league schedule, Barcelona was preparing to clash with Valencia in the 24th round of the season. The Catalans arrived at the fixture with momentum, aiming for continued points in a campaign that has seen them push toward the top of the table. (Source: league fixtures and match previews)
Following the latest results from that match, Barcelona stood on 62 points, creating a comfortable gap of nine points over Real Madrid, who sat in second place. The standings highlighted Barcelona’s strong position in the title race and their consistency in accumulating points through both home and away fixtures. (Source: league standings and official tallies)