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Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has delivered a series of fascinating revelations about his time at the club, offering fresh insight into failed transfer plans, his relationship with Lionel Messi, and the future of the current squad.
Speaking on Romario’s YouTube channel, Xavi reflected on what might have been during his tenure, and some of his comments will raise eyebrows among Barcelona fans.
It is worth noting that Xavi’s time at Barcelona was shaped heavily by financial constraints.
Despite his ambitions to rebuild the squad with proven winners, the club’s economic reality often limited what could actually be achieved.
He began by revealing just how ambitious his plans were, particularly when it came to bringing back former stars.
“As Barcelona manager, I brought back Dani Alves and tried to bring Neymar, Pedro and Messi back as well.
He then explained why those moves never materialised, pointing directly to the club’s financial struggles.
“Pedro and Neymar couldn’t be signed because of the economic situation.“
Xavi wanted to sign Messi and Neymar. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
The most surprising revelation, however, concerned Messi.
Xavi disclosed that a return for the Argentine was not only explored but actively worked on for months before being stopped at the highest level.
“As for Messi, the president didn’t want him back. We tried to sign Messi in 2023.
“We talked for 5 months, and everything was ready, but in the end, the president said NO.”
Relationship with Messi and Neymar
Xavi also revisited the idea of signing Neymar, admitting that while it was a genuine possibility in theory, the financial situation made it unrealistic.
“Perhaps I could have coached Neymar at Barcelona, but our economic situation was so bad that his signing was never an option.”
He went on to highlight Neymar’s extraordinary early years at the club, placing them just behind Messi’s brilliance.
“Neymar’s first years at Barcelona were the closest I ever saw someone get close to Leo Messi.”
Shifting focus to his personal relationship with Messi, Xavi shared an anecdote that perfectly captures the Argentine’s demanding nature on the pitch.
Xavi explained how Messi constantly sought involvement in every phase of play.
“Sometimes Messi would get annoyed with me if I passed the ball to other players.
He’d come to me: ‘Hey, hey! What are you doing? Pass the ball to me! Get closer, play with me!
He also recalled his first impression of Messi as a teenager, describing the moment that convinced him he was witnessing something extraordinary.
“I first saw Messi when he was 16 years old. They told me there was an incredible kid from Argentina.
“I saw him and said: ‘This is something different. I have never seen this before.”
Xavi also emphasised the personal bond they share. “He was a good kid. He’s one of the best mates you can have in football.”
“I have a really good relationship with Leo Messi, it’s based on trust.”
Praise for Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal debuted under Xavi. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Xavi also took time to praise Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal, a player who actually debuted under Xavi.
“Lamine Yamal is a chosen player. A genius of football.”
“He’s already the best or one of the best players in the world right now.”
“It now depends on his mindset, his energy, and his desire to make history. It’s in his hands.”
Barcelona exit
Reflecting on his own departure, Xavi suggested that his exit was not entirely straightforward, hinting at internal issues within the club.
“I believed I could have continued at the club. That was the agreement we had with the president, until something happened with someone inside the club.”
Despite that, he remains proud of the foundations he helped build.
“I believe we did a very good project, and laid very strong foundations for Flick.”
Looking at his journey with perspective, he framed the experience as a crucial step in his development.
“I take what happened at Barça as a lesson learned. I’m a young manager who coached Barça at a very early age. This experience will serve me greatly.
“I see it as a master’s degree for my coaching career.”
Words for Flick
Finally, Xavi praised current manager Hansi Flick, expressing confidence in the direction of the team.
“Hansi Flick is doing an exceptional job, and I think the players have matured to compete.”
He concluded by highlighting the strength of Barcelona’s core, many of whom developed under his guidance.
“There’s a team for the future 10 years with this generation of Lamine, Kounde, Fermín, Gavi, Pedri. All of these are players that we trained and developed.”
