“Only Pep Compares to You” – Thierry Henry Defends Xavi Drawing Parallels Between Manchester City & FC Barcelona Bosses
Follow Us
FC Barcelona and Xavi had another disappointing European night. After a measured performance against Napoli until the 75th minute, they conceded a late equalizer and ended up drawing the game. Hence, the Barcelona boss is facing plenty of flak from all corners. But, jumping to his aid is former teammate Thierry Henry.
Thierry Henry said, “Hey Xavi, my friend. I don’t care what people say. I’m impressed with your work at Barça. You won the league and you taught me a lot in football.” Moreover, Henry went one step ahead and compared Xavi with one of soccer’s finest managers, Pep Guardiola.
“Your brain, for me, is second to none.”
The Thierry Henry and Xavi reunion we've all been waiting for as the Barca manager reacts to their 1-1 draw against Napoli. pic.twitter.com/SAAUcRwNyy
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 21, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Henry added, “Your brain, for me, is second to none. In terms of how you seen the game, only Pep compares to you.” Just like Pep, Xavi in his playing career made a name for himself as one of the best readers of the game. However, he hasn’t been able to translate that tactical acumen into managerial success like the Man City boss.
And Wednesday’s game was the latest example of another misfire in Europe. Barcelona took the lead through Robert Lewandowski in the 60th minute. But Napoli equalized through Victor Osimhen in the next 15 minutes. What’s truly damning is that even in possession dominance stats, which is bread & butter for Barcelona, Napoli nearly matched them with 49% of the possession. Not what you would want against the 9th-placed team in Serie A.
Xavi on his part has called time on his managerial spell at Barcelona. His coaching skills haven’t convinced everyone with one soccer expert saying, “I doubt he actually will get another job.” Yet a former manager believes it is the team that is letting him down with a prominent name being called out.
Robert Lewandoski is ‘failing’ Xavi per Fabio Capello
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With 18 goals in the season, you wouldn’t expect Robert Lewandoski to be labeled as a manager’s problem. However, that’s what Fabio Capello believes. The Italian manager said, “Lewandowski is failing him[Xavi] a little bit, he is not the same as last year, and that is important. Xavi’s main problem at Barcelona is that he is missing Lewandowski, who is not playing at the level we know him to be at.”
Last season, Lewandoski scored 33 goals. Hence, while his level has indeed dropped off, Barcelona has other significant issues as well. The duo of Ferran Torres & Joao Felix together have managed only 18 goals in all competitions. This is without even considering the various injury issues that have impacted the Spanish giants like Gavi’s ACL setback. Hence, labeling Lewandoski as ‘failing’ Xavi doesn’t seem to paint the full picture.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Who is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Eldest Son Cristiano Jr’s Biological Mother?
July 12, 2023 09:29 AM EDT
Fact Check: Is Lionel Messi’s Mother Lebanese? Uncovering the Truth Behind Celia’s Nationality
March 30, 2024 02:46 PM EDT
Ryan Reynolds Labels Wrexham Takeover as ‘Financially Irresponsible Endeavor’ Days After Recording $6.4 Million in Losses
May 02, 2024 12:15 PM EDT
Indonesia Planning To Host Cristiano Ronaldo in Friendly Match After Lionel Messi’s Snub, Taking Cue From Hong Kong’s Decision
May 01, 2024 04:17 PM EDT
Cristiano Ronaldo Told to Make Incredible MLS Switch to LAFC- “Come to the United States”
April 30, 2024 08:50 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Do you agree with Thierry Henry putting Xavi up with Pep Guardiola? Tell us in the comments below.
WATCH THIS STORY: Ten Times Cristiano Ronaldo Scored Four Goals in a Game
Edited by:
Daniel D'Cruz