FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez recently lauded former teammate Andres Iniesta as the most exceptional talent he has ever witnessed in Spanish football. Xavi expressed his admiration for Iniesta ahead of Barcelona's La Liga clash with Athletic Club in Bilbao.
Reflecting on Iniesta's remarkable milestone of playing his 1000th match, Xavi described him as 'the greatest talent I've ever seen in Spanish football.' The duo, who shared the midfield during their playing days, have a deep bond, with Xavi referring to Iniesta as 'Don Andres' and praising him as 'one of the best players in the history of football.'
While Xavi is now focused on his coaching career, he emphasized his enduring respect and friendship with Iniesta. Despite announcing his decision to step down as head coach on June 30, Xavi remains steadfast in his commitment to the current season.
Regarding Barcelona's recent form, Xavi acknowledged the team's progress, noting improvements in their responsibility, competitiveness, and dynamism. However, he stressed the importance of consistency and performance in every game.
Looking ahead to the match against Athletic Club, Xavi urged his players to adopt a more direct and efficient approach compared to their previous encounter. He emphasized the need for dominance and effectiveness on the field, highlighting the team's objective to control the game.
Athletic Club, buoyed by their recent Copa del Rey final qualification and victory over Barcelona in the quarter-finals, presents a formidable challenge for Xavi's side. Despite the setbacks, Xavi remains optimistic about Barcelona's prospects and is determined to see his team deliver a commanding performance in their upcoming fixture.
