As we move into a new generation of coaches, Xavi Hernandez did what elevated the last generation. He won trophies. To reclaim the league for Barcelona in his first full season is an impressive feat, especially since Real Madrid were European champions.
There was maybe some debate about the way it happened. Xavi came through Barcelona, was trained by Pep Guardiola and deeply knows the classic possession game, but it’s probably fair to say this didn’t have all the elements of such principles in the way people expect. There were a lot of 1-0s. The team was very strong in defence. It was also a lot more vertical, with Robert Lewandowski also a profile of centre-forward that Barcelona have not had in some time.
