HAS BARCELONA FINALLY FOUND THEIR MAN?

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Barcelona overtime have had fantastic coaches like Johan Cruyf, Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola. But since Pep's departure, the club has stumbled and wobbled in their search for another coach with the club's DNA to continue from where Pep stopped.

From the late Villanova, to Tata Martino, to Luis Enrique, Ernesto Valverde, Quique Setien, till Ronald Koeman. None of these coaches could stamp their authority on the team and lead them glory reminiscent of what Pep achieved. Even the like of Enrique and Valverde who both spent 3 years at the club could not achieve the required standards to be mainstays in the club's history books.

While Barca were struggling to fill their coaching void, one of their best ever players who had just retired and decided to sojourn to the far east was quietly building his reputation and his management skills away from the prying eyes and pressure of the European media. The brand of football being exhibited by his team was making waves in the far east and soon caught the attention of European pundits as well. He was posting impressive stats in his short term at the club, winning 61 games out of the 89 he oversaw during that period with a 68.5 win percentage and averaging 2.75 goals per game. Those are the kind of stats that attracted Barcelona to him.

In November 2021, Barca finally got their man when it was obvious that the Koeman experiment was not working and the team was clearly on their worst decline in recent memory. Barcelona were 10th in the league when Xavi took over. The younger players looked lost and incompatible, while the veterans looked too old for this generation. It seemed as if the departure of Messi had taken with it any semblance of quality and class from the team. This coupled with their financial woes made this a very interesting and challenging job. On paper this was a big gamble for the Laporta board who had just regained power at the club, as Xavi was seen as still very inexperienced especially at this level.

WHAT HAS XAVI CHANGED?

• Apart from the fact that he has lifted them from the doldrums of 10th position to 2nd on the league table, Xavi has improved the general feeling in the dressing room by joining them in celebrations and also by waiting numerous times to greet the players as they return to the locker room after matches. These gestures might seem little, but it raises the coach's popularity and belief amongst the players. It also brings about the feel good factor, which inspires belief.

• Prior to his arrival, the team looked directionless, caught in between a pressing or a counterattacking team without a clearly defined tactic. Xavi brought back tactical clarity to the team. He implemented the modern day pressing game, with the attack being the first line of defense. The team now play with intensity with fluid ball progression from defense to attack. The inverted fullback tactic has aided in ball retention while opening up spaces in wide areas for the like of Dembele to thrive.

• One of the most important skills of modern day coaching is man management Prior to his arrival the younger seemed lost and short of confidence, while the older players seemed out of their legs. Fast forward to now and the veteran trio of Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquet and Jordi Alba who had been under fire throughout the season for varying degrees of poor performances has been revitalized. Pique has developed a strong chemistry with Araujo (who was having a torrid time filling in as a ball playing defender). Sergio Busquet has recovered his touch and has been completely unplayable, spicing it up with flicks and tricks here and there. Ousmane Dembele has gone from club outcast to team jewel, delivering assists on a regular while chipping in with the odd goal.

• Rising stars like Pedri, Sergino Dest, Gavi, De Jong and Araujo has finally been playing at a level befitting of their talents. Pedri has been stellar, delivering mouthwatering performances, and at many times being the best player for the team. De Jong has been much more assured in possession. Sergino Dest has been reborn (and having Dani Alves to learn from is also massive for him. Another Xavi masterstroke). Gavi is fulfilling his potential and Araujo is now courting interest from other top clubs due to his development in ball playing, while chipping in with deadball threats.

• Xavi has also done a fantastic job with regards recruitment. Apart from identifying ideal targets for specific roles, he's also played active roles in convincing them to join Barca. He played a big role in convincing players like Ferran Torres and Aubameyang joining the club in January ahead of other suitors. And these players has been seemlessly eased into the team without disrupting chemistry and most of them have been instant hits. Then there are the like of Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie who are theoretically in their prime, joining in the summer.

Barcelona might not have the financial muscle of Man City and PSG, but with the shrewd business being done by Xavi and his growing tactical nous, there's definitely a clear path being charted. A path that looks bright and promising.
So, has Barcelona finally found their man??