Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Xavi needs to be more than a tactician to make Barcelona a success again

The Xavi and Pep Guardiola comparisons are irresistible.

Both are legends of the club with little coaching experience when hired by Joan Laporta, but nonetheless highly regarded for their tactical acumen. Logically, one day they would get their chance.

Not all great players make great managers, even when they were taught by the best. Ronald Koeman is one example of how knowledge can be transferred, but not intellect, and the limits of how far that can take you.

Xavi, like Pep, is a natural learner who savors the process of coming up with new ideas, and enthusiastically experimenting until they work.