In a revealing interview, former Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla shared insights into the transformation of his ex-teammate Xavi Hernandez from a reserved player to a passionate coach.
Cazorla disclosed that Xavi had initially expressed no interest in coaching, but a spark was ignited when he embarked on his coaching course.
According to Cazorla, Xavi’s personality underwent a significant shift as he transitioned into coaching. The former Barcelona midfielder, known for his calm demeanor as a player, became more animated and expressive on the sidelines.
Cazorla recalled instances where Xavi would exhibit intense emotions, slamming and throwing bottles in frustration. This newfound passion, Cazorla believes, was essential for Xavi to effectively lead his team.
Cazorla also defended Xavi’s tenure as Barcelona’s coach, which was marked by periods of turbulence. He attributed Xavi’s decision to take the reins at a challenging time to his deep affection for the club and his desire to make a positive impact.
Under Xavi’s guidance, young players like Lamine and Cubarsí flourished, enabling Barcelona to compete for top honors once again. Despite this, Cazorla feels that Xavi was not adequately appreciated for his efforts.
Cazorla expressed sympathy for Xavi, who faced intense scrutiny during his time at Barcelona.
He revealed that Xavi suffered greatly due to the pressure and criticism, often confiding in him about his struggles.
Although Xavi is currently taking a break to focus on his family, Cazorla is confident that his friend will return to coaching in the future.
