Xavi Hernández

[DonAndres]

He's got high praise for Koke in this interview, both in high anticipation for this quarterfinal.

 

[Behrox]

He's got high praise for Koke in this interview, both in high anticipation for this quarterfinal.

Koke should definitely be on the plane to Brazil ahead of Thiago and Isco

 

[abual3bed1]

Ahead of Isco? Sure. Ahead of Thiago? No.

 

[Theconomist]

Ronaldinho's assist looks so good from the stands

I miss that Dinho I wonder what would have happened had he not missed that shot in 2006 :/

 

[Behrox]

Ahead of Isco? Sure. Ahead of Thiago? No.

why he has been instrumental for Simione's Atleti and is the heart of their midfield a bit like a more attacking Xavi plus he doesn't lose the ball as much as Thiago

 

[FCBarca]

He's got high praise for Koke in this interview, both in high anticipation for this quarterfinal.

And despite many alleged fans claiming Xavi is a poor sport, gave high praise to Atletico

 

[Cule4life]

Nobody is saying he is a bad sport. He is just too set in his ways and can't think beyond tiki taka. That's why I dont think he well be as good a coach as people think he will be.

 

[Alik]

Nobody is saying he is a bad sport. He is just too set in his ways and can't think beyond tiki taka. That's why I dont think he well be as good a coach as people think he will be.

Nah, people were comparing him to Ronaldo for being a bad sport after losing a match.

 

[Ursegor]

Nobody is saying he is a bad sport. He is just too set in his ways and can't think beyond tiki taka. That's why I dont think he well be as good a coach as people think he will be.

Not sure how you know this when he hasn't even gained a coaching licence yet. Surely you're not linking his post match interviews about possession with his potential coaching skills. Xavi has so much football experience. Coached by van Gaal, Guardiola, Luis Aragones, del Bosque, playing on all kind of stages as the midfield maestro. It's almost impossible that he could fail as a Barca coach unless he is so thick that he has learned absolutely nothing in over a decade in such surroundings.

 

[DonAndres]

And despite many alleged fans claiming Xavi is a poor sport, gave high praise to Atletico

Poor sport? Nah, he can occasionally be a bad loser though.

As for his coaching capacity I think it's very clear that Xavi is completely capable of grasping complex tactical ideas and football theory, we just have yet to see him execute that as a coach. If he could go at it with a high level of enthusiasm and desire, he'd be capable of building a very disciplined system and team. The best coaches are active and animated, that's how they claim full respect and control.

 

[Hamzah]

And despite many alleged fans claiming Xavi is a poor sport, gave high praise to Atletico

You're having a go at me aren't you. I never said that only that he is a bad loser. He is a great sportsman. Stop twisting what I say.

 

[FCBarca]

You're having a go at me aren't you. I never said that only that he is a bad loser. He is a great sportsman. Stop twisting what I say.

I cited no one specifically, Ham...Several posters have bashed his supposed lack of sportsmanship here, even one of our mods

 

[Alarcón]

Ahead of Isco? Sure. Ahead of Thiago? No.

Why not?

 

[Behrox]

Why not?

He still hasn't gotten over Thiago

 

[abual3bed1]

Why not?

Thiago is more gifted technically, with more confidence and risk taking. They might be close on accuracy and vision but Thiago edges it with his runs forward driving the team ahead. Koke is an excellent player and any team would be lucky to have him. It's just that Thiago has some better abilities than Koke.

He still hasn't gotten over Thiago

Oh, so now that he left I have to hate him or undermine his abilities just because he chose to leave?? Thiago is the greatest talent Spain have at the moment that is under 25. And probably top 3 players in terms of talent.