Barcelona return "biggest challenge” of Xavi's career

Xavi

admitted that a return to

is “the biggest challenge of my career” after the Catalans announced him as their new head coach.

The Blaugrana pronounced on Saturday that ex-Spain star Xavi has taken over the managerial role at Camp Nou after Ronald Koeman’s dismissal.

The payment of the release clause in Xavi’s deal with

will be formalised this week in Qatar.

The 41-year-old will have his first senior coaching role in Europe with Barcelona and he is entrusted to get them through a difficult period.

They are more than €1.2billion in debts and they couldn’t register Lionel Messi or invest in the squad this season, with the results being concerning, sitting ninth in the La Liga table after four victories in 11 matches.

Xavi played in 767 matches for Barca before hanging up his boots in 2015 and Messi surpassed his tally (778). However, he is aware that his return comes at a challenging time.

Talking to reports before going back to Spain, he said:

"It's the biggest challenge of my career. I'm really happy, I'm coming home, coming back to Barca. It's a major challenge.

"I'm really grateful to Barca. They came to Doha, my contract was rescinded, there was a clause, and each of us has done our part. I'm really grateful to the club."

Xavi believes his formality with some Barca players can be an advantage as he aims to hit the ground running.

"

The first thing to do is to speak with the players, to explain to them the ideas I have and to work a lot,"

he said.

"To coach friends is an advantage, it's a positive point. I know how they train and I know what they're like. I see it as an advantage."

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