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BARCELONA – Barcelona introduced Xavi Hernández as their new head coach in front of thousands of fans at Camp Nou on Monday.
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The 41-year-old Barça player signed his contract, which runs until 2024, on the pitch with the club’s president, Joan Laporta.
“It is a historic day for Barcelona. Welcome, Xavi ”, Laporta said excitedly to the fans during the ceremony in which the former midfielder was accompanied by his family.
“Thank you all. I don’t want to get excited but I am, it gives me goosebumps,” Xavi told the fans.
“This is the biggest club in the world and I will work hard to meet your expectations. Barcelona cannot accept a draw or a defeat. We have to win all the games ”.
Xavi joined after Barça paid his release clause with Qatari club Al-Sadd. He will replace the fired Ronald Koeman.
“I come prepared. My DNA did not change. We need to take charge, have the ball, create opportunities, be intense. We have the mission of rescuing many things that were lost ”, said Xavi.
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The azulgrana is ninth in LaLiga, 11 points behind leader Real Sociedad and 10 points behind archrival Real Madrid.
After the presentation, Xavi spoke about how discipline will be an important factor in his project as a Barcelona coach.
“We have to start with new rules that will be strict. It’s not about being tough, it’s about having rules, “he told reporters.
“When we had rules in the dressing room things went well, when we didn’t have them, things went wrong. So we need to have order. Be professional.
“It is a medium and long-term project, but we will have to work very hard to find the results. The expectation and demand will be the highest. No excuses will be given or accepted. “
Reference-torontosun.com