VIDEO: Barcelona Unveil Xavi As New Manager Infront Of Thousands @ Camp Nou
Xavi Hernandez was on Monday unveiled as Barcelona’s new coach as thousands of fans welcomed the former midfielder back to Camp Nou.
“It’s a historical day for Barcelona. Welcome, Xavi,” an emotional Barca president Joan Laporta told the supporters during the ceremony where the ex-midfielder was accompanied by his family.
“I don’t want to get too emotional so I will just tell you one thing — we are the best club in the world,” Xavi told the crowd of around 10,000 fans.
“And we will work to the highest standards to have success. We cannot accept defeats or draws, we have to win every game.”
Laporta said: “Today will be an historic day for Barca.”
Xavi is the first Barca coach to be presented on the pitch in front of fans at the 99,000-capacity stadium, with the routine usually only reserved for the club’s biggest signings.
“This is the biggest club in the world and I’m going to work hard to reach your expectations. Barcelona can’t accept a draw or a defeat. We have to win all the games.”
Xavi joined after Barca paid his release clause with Qatari club Al Sadd. He will replace the sacked Ronald Koeman.
“I come prepared. My DNA didn’t change. We need to take charge, have the ball, create opportunities, be intense. We have a mission to rescue many things that were lost,” Xavi said.