‘Comparing my work to Xavi’s isn’t fair’… Barcelona coach says he does not want to be compared to his predecessor | OneFootball

When it comes to FC Barcelona, it is only natural to expect there to be constant comparisons between past and present. After all, the Catalan club is one of the most prestigious sides in all of European football and high demands are a constant. However, such comparisons within Barcelona do tend to create a toxic environment as well at times.

Even right now at FC Barcelona, the tenure of Hansi Flick as the first team’s coach has been one that remains widely regarded as one of the best that have taken place in recent years. The German coach has instilled a sense of intensity and a winning mentality that has helped this Barcelona side reach new heights.

However, there have been a lot of conversations regarding Hansi Flick’s Barcelona and the influence that his predecessor, Xavi Hernandez, had on this particular team. Yet, these constant comparisons have proven to be nothing but a hindrance to the new coach, who seems to not enjoy them at all.

In fact, in his recent press conference, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona coach made it clear that he acknowledges the work that his predecessor did as well but also believes that comparing the two of them ‘isn’t fair’:

“Always comparing my work to Xavi’s isn’t fair. They are two different situations, and I have great respect for him. He was a fantastic player and coach. But now, it’s me here. Of course, he gave young academy players a chance to play, and that credit is his.”

Moreover, it is worth noting that both managers have a mutual respect for each other. Xavi Hernandez even met with his successor at Barcelona and ended up giving him his blessing to continue with the good work that he has done so far.

He then diverted attention to his own team, and spoke in depth about the things that he believes his own Barça does well. Moreover, he also acknowledged the fact that his team delivered on his promise to improve their performance against Red Star Belgrade as compared to their display against RCD Espanyol:

“There are many things I’m pleased with. When we review games, like the last one in Belgrade, we see what we ask of the players: to finish together… We didn’t finish as a team. In Belgrade, we did, and I appreciate that. We work as a unit to play and defend together. Defending isn’t easy, but they do it very well.”

Even for the upcoming game against Real Sociedad, Hansi Flick is clear that his team will not take this challenge lightly:

“We’re going for the three points, but it won’t be easy. We need to work together as a team for more than 90 minutes.”

It remains to be seen what kind of team he ends up fielding for this encounter, but it will surely be one that is committed to getting all three points for Barcelona. With Real Madrid having won their own latest encounter against CA Osasuna, La Blaugrana now have the pressure on them to deliver against La Real.