Barcelona right-back Hector Bellerin has called on the club to take inspiration from Arsenal ’s patience towards Mikel Arteta in their approach with Xavi.
Arteta has been linked with a future job as boss at Camp Nou – where he spent a portion of his playing career at Barca's B team – after helping overturn the fortunes of the Gunners after two-and-a-half years in the role in north London.
Bellerin believes Arsenal’s patience with their young boss is the same approach that Barca – whom he joined after his contract at Arsenal was terminated this summer – must show towards Xavi in light of the club’s Champions League group-stage exit.
Xavi was appointed as Barca boss a year ago but has overseen successive group-stage eliminations from the Champions League and is yet to win a trophy during his time in the dugout. However, the Blaugrana are just a point off Real Madrid at the top of the standings in La Liga.
When asked to analyse Barca’s situation under Xavi, Bellerin explained in an interview with Marca : "Football is neither black nor white. There are many conditioning factors that can affect it. There are many signings. These projects take time to bear fruit. (Jurgen) Klopp and (Pep) Guardiola did not win anything in their first season. Things take time."
When asked about what the first-team squad at the club thought of Xavi’s approach to coaching, he responded: "The players are 100 per cent clear about what he wants and he knows what he wants from the players."
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Bellerin had explained earlier this month when praising Arsenal’s patience with Arteta : "Projects that have faces and eyes have to be prepared, and the process is long. Confidence and continuing to improve is important. Rome wasn't built in a day."
The right-back began his youth career at Barcelona before moving to north London, and returned to his homeland this summer. "I'm very happy to be here," he said. "It's a dream I've always had. The weekend game against Valencia was the first full 90 minutes I've had all season. It's not much, but I'm happy.
"For me, it was very important. When you grew up here, at La Masia, it is your greatest dream (to play for Barca). I had had opportunities in the past but, for one reason or another, I had not returned."
Arteta only signed a three-year contract extension at the Emirates in April of this year, meaning any exit seems unlikely - especially in light of Arsenal's sensational form so far this season. However, he and Xavi will be aware that things can change quickly in football, with both hopeful that their clubs' loyalty towards them will be rewarded.
