Barcelona’s ‘Klopp’ and his incredible record with the first team

As an individual who resonates deeply with the club and takes accountability for every small setback, Xavi may be one of the most animated coaches Barcelona has had in the recent past.

The legendary midfielder’s antics and fearlessness on the sidelines, however, often land him in trouble. At this point, it is not surprising to see the Barcelona manager booked or even sent off from the sidelines.

Xavi’s regular absence on the bench, thus, sees his brother and assistant Oscar Hernandez take over as the first-team manager. The substitution has happened eight times so far (seven official games, one friendly), and the assistant tactician boasts of an unbelievable record.

Oscar ‘Klopp’ Hernandez

Xavi’s brother has often been likened to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for his physical resemblance. What started as a joke, however, is now backed by genuine statistics.

Of the eight games Oscar has overseen from the sidelines, he boasts of a 100% win rate. The eight wins, moreover, include 19 goals scored by Barcelona and just three conceded.

Oscar Hernandez is eight for eight with Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

He made his debut on the sidelines in preseason two years ago when Xavi’s visa to the United States faced a delay. Thus began the ‘Oscar effect’, as Barcelona romped to a 6-0 win over Inter Miami on the night.

Since then, has overseen wins over Valencia (1-0), Cadiz (2-0), Villarreal (3-4), Mallorca (1-0) Atlético Madrid (0-3), Las Palmas (1-0) and most recently the team’s 1-0 win over Cadiz last night.

Likely his final game

Very few managers in the history of Barcelona can boast of a 100% win rate during their tenure on the sidelines. Oscar Hernandez currently has the unique record to his name, and will likely hold on to it forever.

If Xavi leaves Barcelona at the end of the season, which he has repeatedly insisted is his final decision, Oscar will likely never feature on the sidelines for the Catalans club again.

With few games to go in La Liga, the chance of Xavi facing suspension is low, after all. He may not get a run as a full-time Barcelona coach in the near future at least, but Oscar ‘Klopp’ Hernandez will boast of one of the greatest managerial records at the club for a long time to come.