Manchester City's Pep Guardiola has backed Xavi to rebuild Barcelona's reputation after returning to Camp Nou.
Xavi was presented to fans on Monday after sealing a deal to replace Ronald Koeman as Barcelona manager, six years after he left the club as a player.
Hiring somebody with a clear idea of Barcelona's modern vision, which Guardiola helped to define during his spell at the club, was a major reason behind Xavi's arrival, and Guardiola admitted he expects good things from his former midfielder.
"If [president Joan] Laporta and the board have chosen Xavi, it is because there are millions of pros and few cons," he said (via Marca). "He knows the club, he will bring positive energy because of how he sees football and because of his dedication, he will surely take the club forwards.
"I was nobody's heir and Xavi does not have to be my heir or anyone else's. It has to be him, nothing more than him. The decisions will be made by him and no-one but him."
Guardiola's words come in response to comments by Xavi during his presentation as Barcelona manager, in which the new boss was asked about comparisons to Guardiola.
"Being compared to Guardiola is already a success because of what he has given to football, to Barça, and because he is a reference for me," Xavi said earlier in the day.
"Guardiola is the best coach in the world, but any comparisons now are bad for me. I understand the expectations and I know that I am at the best club in the world and we have to demand everything of ourselves.
"It is an honour to be compared to Guardiola and I will work to try and justify that."
Source : 90min