Xavi began his journey as Barcelona coach with a triumph that instantly etched his name into the club’s history, steering the team to a 3-1 victory over Real Madrid in the 2023 Spanish Super Cup final.
Since taking charge in late 2021, Xavi Hernandez has led Barcelona through a period of rebuilding after stepping onto the bench to replace Ronald Koeman. The former Blaugrana midfielder, who left the pitch as a player in 2015, has long been labeled as a future leader for the club and was frequently discussed as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola. His rise to the managerial role was a pivotal moment for the club, and it came with the blessing of club president Joan Laporta, who entrusted him with the project of reshaping Barcelona after securing a second term as president in March 2021.
How many titles has Xavi won as Barcelona manager?
- Champion of the 2023 Spanish Super Cup
Xavi quickly set the tone for a new era by stabilizing the team’s performance and restoring some of the club’s characteristic intensity on the pitch. Yet the path to silverware was not immediate. His early months saw moments of brilliance and progression, but also stubborn tests that reminded everyone that rebuilding a club of Barcelona’s stature takes time. A memorable 0-4 away win against Real Madrid in a subsequent Clásico underscored the potential of his system and the players, providing a glimpse of the attacking identity he aimed to rebuild.
Before claiming his first trophy, the coach endured a challenging spell. The 2022 Spanish Super Cup ended in a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in extra time during the semi finals, a result that highlighted how tightly contested domestic trophies can be even for a club with Barcelona’s pedigree. In the same season, a Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Athletic Bilbao in the round of 16 and a quarterfinal exit in the Europa League to Eintracht Frankfurt punctuated a year filled with both learning experiences and clear signals of the road ahead. Barcelona also faced a demanding league campaign, where a strong start was followed by a late-season dip, contributing to Real Madrid gaining a comfortable lead in La Liga for the 2021-2022 term.
As 2023 unfolded, a fresh phase began for Xavi’s project. The team endured a hesitant start to the campaign, including a group-stage exit from the UEFA Champions League, yet they regrouped to put together a campaign that emphasized resilience and collective effort. Barcelona entered the Spanish Super Cup with something to prove, having not collected a domestic trophy in the prior season, and the squad’s performance in the semi finals demonstrated discipline under pressure as they edged past Real Betis on penalties to reach the final. The ultimate win against Real Madrid showcased a compelling blend of tactical organization, pressing prowess, and the courage to attack when opportunities arose. That late triumph not only earned the trophy but also signaled a potential turning point for Xavi’s Barcelona, hinting at broader success to come and perhaps a continuing climb toward the club’s storied traditions.
Looking ahead, the question many supporters ask is whether this first major title marks the start of a sustained era of success under Xavi. The signs from the 2023 season point to a manager who understands Barcelona’s identity and possesses the resolve to rebuild it piece by piece. Whether the subsequent seasons deliver a continuing stream of trophies or a steady refinement of the playing style, the arc of Xavi’s leadership is closely watched by fans, critics, and rival clubs alike as Barcelona strives to reclaim its status among Europe’s elite.