Xavi says Barça have the same buzz as when Guardiola took charge

Xavi says Barça have the same buzz as when Guardiola took charge

Xavi Hernandez spoke to Canal+ for the programme 'Espacio Resevado', covering a wide range of subjects including his career and all aspects of FC Barcelona.

The midfielder is delighted with the appointment of Luis Enrique, even though he has only started one game this season under the new Barça boss so far.

"I have the same sensations that I had with [Josep] Guardiola in 2008," Xavi explained. "Good years are coming. [Luis Enrique] is a winner, a natural leader."

He also directed praise in the direction of Andres Iniesta, labelling him the "most talented footballer in the history of Spanish football", while also saving some words for Lionel Messi.

"Leo is the best in history," the 34-year-old opined. "He has been the best in the world for eight years now. 

"I don't know if there is a similar case... maybe Pele."

It wasn't just his teammates he spoke about, however, and he also revealed his admiration for Juventus and Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

"I pay attention to a lot of different midfielders," he admitted. "In Spain we have a lot: Iniesta, David Silva... I watch Arsenal for Santi Cazrola.

"Now we have Denis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic... but when I watch Pirlo it is a wonder. I put on Juve just to watch him.  

"Then there are midfielders that are not valued in Spain like Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso."

And from the pitch to the bench, there is one name that stands above all others for Xavi: Luis Aragones.

"He is the person who has influenced my career the most," he said about the former Spain boss. "More than Guardiola.

"[Aragones] gave me unthinkable confidence. He was a real football person. During the war between Luis-Raul, he suffered a lot."

It was under the orders of Aragones that Xavi admits to most enjoying his time with Spanish national team - which is in stark contrast to his experience at the World Cup in Brazil this summer.

"Not to play against Chile was disappointing," he admitted. "[Vicente del Bosque] asked me to stay for two more years after Euro 2012 and not to play after the Holland game was a disappointment.

"And to leave the seleccion like that..."

Finally, Xavi talked about his future, making it clear he sees himself in the dugout one day.

"Football is my life," he concluded. "I want to take my badges and if I can manage at Barcelona, the club of my life which I am fanatical about, it would be double the joy."