Arteta speaks on coaching in Spain, hails Barcelona-Xavi reunion

Mikel Arteta

FOOTBALL Arteta speaks on coaching in Spain, hails Barcelona-Xavi reunion

Kiplagat Sang 13:28 - 26.06.2023

The Spaniard also spoke about Pep Guardiola in glowing terms.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hailed Xavi Hernandez's appointment as Barcelona manager and also opened up on the prospect of one day taking over as Spain's coach.

Xavi returned from Al Sadd of Qatar to take over his former club when Ronald Koeman was sacked at Camp Nou in 2021. When he came back, Barcelona were struggling, sitting in midtable, and on the verge of UEFA Champions League elimination.

Then, finishing in the top four looked unlikely, but Xavi steered the LALIGA giants to second place.

"Only knowing his character and what he feels about the game, it's clear that Barça needed a figure like him," Arteta said as he explained why Xavi's appointment was right.

"He has been able to withstand the pressure and has been faithful to his ideas by always defending the club and the players. The team has been very reliable all year."

Xavi led Barcelona to the 2022–23 LALIGA title, which is their first league trophy since 2019.

When asked whether he would consider going to Spain as a coach, the Arsenal manager said, "Spain is my country. I have been away for many years, and at some point it could be an option to return to LALIGA and have other experiences. But now..."

Apart from hailing Barcelona's appointment of their former star, Arteta said Pep Guardiola, a former boss at the Catalan club and whom he worked together with at Manchester City, is the best manager.

"He is the best at everything. Management; convincing the group of your idea; getting the best out of them; decision-making before and during the match. Pep is a genius," Arteta continued.