Xavi’s reign as Barcelona coach began on Tuesday. The Catalan got to the training ground early in the morning to meet the members of his squad who aren’t away on international duty and speak with them alongside Joan Laporta.
🙌 La primera charla de Xavi con sus jugadores pic.twitter.com/Wu7Grjuoam
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) November 9, 2021
“You have to believe in yourselves,” he told them according to comments carried by Marca. “What happened in Vigo can’t happen [Barcelona threw away a 3-0 lead at Celta Vigo on Saturday to draw 3-3]. You have to always be alert, it can’t be that you go 3-0 up at half-time and end up drawing the game.”
Xavi then made sure to lay down the rules that will govern the dressing room under his watch. Of paramount importance for the new coach was strict respect of schedules and better, more integrated co-existence between the players of the squad. They’ll have breakfast and lunch together and the professional demands placed on them as a collective will be tightened and raised.
📍 Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper
Xavi 🤝 @JoanLaportaFCB pic.twitter.com/KxQjeDmBtg— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) November 9, 2021
As well as the fit members of the squad, the injured quintet of Gerard Pique, Martin Braithwaite, Eric Garcia, Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele were also present. Xavi made a point of having a quick word with Dembele, who he bigged up considerably during his presentation ceremony on Monday.
