After being re-elected as president, Xavi Hernandez believes that his ‘good friend’ Joan Laporta would bring success to Barcelona both on and off the field.
Former Spain midfielder Xavi has announced he is in touch with Laporta, fueling speculation that the pair might reunite at the Nou Camp if Xavi is reinstated as manager.
‘Laporta is a wonderful pal. ‘I’m very familiar with him. He is, without a doubt, the greatest president I have ever had,’ Xavi told beIN Sports.
Barca will make a comeback, both in terms of sporting and financial success.
‘There are concerns to be addressed, but you can handle them all. I wish him the best of luck. I’m in touch with him, and I’m very pleased.’
Victor Font, Laporta’s former presidential opponent, was keen to include a Xavi return in his plans. Laporta, on the other hand, controlled the voting.
Xavi is currently the manager of Al Saad in Qatar, where he has won four trophies.
Laporta and Xavi have a close relationship; the former served as president from 2003 to 2010, when Xavi was captain of the club.
The 41-year-old is regarded as a potential Barcelona boss in the mold of Pep Guardiola, and in a recent interview, Laporta declined to dismiss the possibility.
‘We call each other sometimes,’ Laporta said to RAC1 last month. In my view, he should coach Barcelona in the short, medium, or long term because he wants to.
‘However, he needs a little more planning.’ Experience is needed by the club. It’s the same thing we did with Rijkaard, who laid the groundwork, and Pep Guardiola, who provided the finishing touches.
‘First and foremost, we must honor (Ronald) Koeman, who is under contract.’ He’s a Barcelona legend who deserves all of our admiration, regardless of his results or performances. The current condition necessitates information.’
With a 4-1 victory over Huesca on Sunday, Barcelona, the Copa del Rey finalists, is now just four points behind LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid after 27 games.
Koeman’s team leads LaLiga in scoring and has recovered from a slow start to the 2020-21 season.
