Former Barcelona coach Xavi has shared his thoughts on why his time managing the club came to an end after three seasons. In a moment of self-reflection, he explained that his biggest mistake was allowing the team’s high standards to slip after a successful first year.
🏆 Starting with High Standards
Xavi recalled that when he first took charge, he set very high demands for the players and the club. This approach paid off, as the team went on to win the LaLiga title and the Super Cup. He believed this demanding environment was key to their initial success.
🤔 A Shift in Approach
However, Xavi admitted that he made a mistake by not maintaining those high standards. He became self-critical, wondering what went wrong after the successful first season. He realised he had relaxed his expectations, which began to affect the team’s performance and mindset.
📉 The Consequences of Lowered Expectations
According to Xavi, this change had a significant impact. He observed that the players no longer showed the same attitude, respect, or effort as before. As the standards continued to drop, the team’s performance suffered, leading to a final season where they did not win any trophies. Xavi acknowledged this was a valuable lesson for him as a coach.
