‘Has done very well’ – Former Barcelona midfield heaps praise on Xavi after continuity announcement

Following a period of uncertainty over his future, Xavi Hernandez has finally reversed his decision and will stay on as the Barcelona manager next season.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the same this week, urging fans and the player to continue backing Xavi despite the club’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League and the prospect of a trophyless 2024/25 campaign.

Following Barcelona’s announcement, Xavi has received support from various footballing personalities, including Finnish football legend Jari Litmanen.

Jari Litmanen praises Xavi

In a recent media interaction (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Litmanen heaps praised Xavi for his work at Barcelona. He also stressed that the club can succeed if they can find the synergy between the players and the coach.

“Xavi has done very well with Barça,” Litmanen said. “The results are good, last year they were champion. This year I have watched many games on television and although they have not emerged as champions, they have played well.”

Xavi has the backing of the club (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

An attacking midfielder by trade during his time, Litmanen is regarded as one of the best players to come out of Finnish football.

Litmanen played for Barcelona between 1999 to 2001, featuring in 32 matches in all competitions. He notably shared the pitch with Xavi, when the midfielder was a mere young prodigy on the Barcelona side.

Continuing his praise of Xavi, Litmanen talked about Barcelona’s recent defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League.

“The first game against PSG was very good and the second had different problems. It is football – one game is played better, another less so. But if we talk about the last eight teams in the Champions League, they all have quality,” Litmanen said.

The 53-year-old added that Barcelona must now find synergy between the coach and the players if they are to succeed next season.

“I like Barça the way they play, I like the work that Xavi has done. There are younger players, but there are also experienced players like Gündogan, Lewandowski or Christensen,” Litmanen said.

“It is important to do a mix of the two. It is not possible with experience alone, just as you cannot win with the youngest players,” he concluded.