-
Mikel Arteta explains why Barcelona ‘needed’ to appoint Xavi as manager.
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, applauded Barcelona for appointing Xavi as their head coach in November 2021.
While playing in the middle of the La Liga standings, La Blaugrana parted ways with manager Ronald Koeman. They were in danger of being eliminated from their Champions League group and a top-four finish appeared implausible.
From the Qatari team Al Sadd, Xavi returned to Camp Nou and led Barça to an unexpected second-place finish in La Liga. In 2022–2023, they improved and won their first league championship since 2019.
In a wide-ranging interview with MARCA, Arteta, who went to school with Xavi at La Masia, praised his team’s very reliable’ play and emphasized the importance of bringing in a player like the former midfielder for Barcelona to get to the top once more.
“Only knowing his character and what he feels about the game, it’s clear that Barça needed a figure like him,” Arteta said.
“He has been able to withstand the pressure and has been faithful to his ideas by always defending the club and the players. The team has been very reliable all year.”
When asked if he would consider managing in La Liga himself, Arteta replied: “Spain is my country. I have been away for many years and at some point it could be an option to return to La Liga and have other experiences. But now…”
Arteta also praised former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, whom he assisted at Manchester City and currently competes against in the Premier League.
“He is the best at everything. Management; convincing the group of your idea; getting the best out of them; decision-making before and during the match. Pep is a genius,” Arteta continued.