As Xavi Hernandez gets ready to make his managerial debut for Barcelona after the international break, Spain legend Andres Iniesta seems quite confident of his former colleague being successful in his new role.
Though Xavi has had just two seasons of coaching experience with Qatar-based club Al Sadd, what works in his favour is how well he has prepared himself for the high-profile job having taken over the reins from Ronald Koeman, Iniesta believes.
“Xavi will fit in. Absolutely. Not just because he knows the club and it’s his home, but also because he’s prepared for this. That’s the most important thing,” Barcelona icon Iniesta said in quotes shared by La Liga.
Apart from Lionel Messi’s contribution, Iniesta forming a lethal combination with Xavi in the midfield was also significant for Barcelona as they won eight La Liga and four Uefa Champions League titles from 2002 to 2015.
Not just with Barcelona, but even in Spain colours, Iniesta and Xavi were highly instrumental in guiding them to their maiden and only Fifa World Cup title in 2010.
For Xavi, who made 747 appearances for Barcelona, his first game in the team dugout will be at home to Catalan neighbours Espanyol on November 20, which will be followed by a first Champions League home match in charge versus Benfica three days later.