Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Barcelona for appointing Xavi as their head coach again in November 2021.
La Blaugrana parted methods with then-manager Ronald Koeman whereas sitting mid-table in La Liga. A top-four end regarded unlikely they usually have been on the verge of elimination from their Champions League group.
Xavi returned to Camp Nou from Qatari facet Al Sadd and managed to steer Barça to an unlikely second-place end in La Liga. They went one higher in 2022/23, successful their first league title since 2019.
In a wide-ranging interview with MARCA, Arteta – who got here via La Masia with Xavi – mentioned that bringing in a determine like the previous midfielder was vital for Barcelona to attain the highest once more, hailing his facet as ‘very dependable’.
READ THE LATEST BARCELONA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
“Only knowing his character and what he feels about the game, it’s clear that Barça needed a figure like him,” Arteta mentioned.
“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 requested if he would take into account 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 additionally spoke glowingly of former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, who he labored underneath as an assistant at Manchester City and is now a rival of within 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.
LISTEN NOW
On this week’s version of Talking Transfers, a part of the 90min podcast community, Toby Cudworth is joined by Graeme Bailey and Sean Walsh to focus on the newest switch information. On the agenda is Arsenal’s method for Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, the exodus of Chelsea gamers to Saudi Arabia, Moises Caicedo, Kyle Walker, Man Utd’s goalkeeper plans & extra!
If you may’t see this embed, click on right here to pay attention to the podcast!
Discussion about this post