Barcelona manager Luis Enrique says that despite the club’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Nice in the first pre-season friendly, he has seen some promising signs already. Enrique also says that midfielder Xavi Hernandez appears to have come back to his best. The midfielder was not influential for the Spanish national team at the World Cup 2014, while it was also the case with Barcelona last season. It is not coincidental that Barcelona and Spain’s best period in the history has come with Xavi in the team. The 35-year-old midfielder has widely been linked with an exit.
Several clubs in the Middle East are interested in him and are ready to pay huge sums of money to tempt him with a move. Xavi, though, has so far been silent on the transfer rumours. He still has one year left on his contract, but it is highly unlikely that Barcelona will stand in his way should he decide to leave the club. Since making his debut as a youth team product, Xavi has gone on to represent Barcelona at various levels. He has won every major trophy at club and international level including the World Cup.
Enrique says that Xavi appears to have rediscovered his hunger and form. He says that Barcelona’s form will improve in the upcoming friendly matches.
“Right now he’s back to his best both in terms of fitness and motivation. I hope that all the players with me now are still here at the end of the season. The result is what matters least. These games are for seeing where each player is and telling each of them what things they’ll need to improve. We’e going the logical, and correct, way about things. We can’t expect too much before the season has even started,” said Enrique after the 1-1 draw.