Xavi takes SPORT test ahead of 100th game as Barcelona coach

This Wednesday, at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, Xavi Hernández will take charge of his 100th match as FC Barcelona first team coach. With a record of 63 wins, 17 draws and 19 defeats and two titles won (a league title and a Spanish Super Cup) since his arrival on the bench in November 2021, the coach will reach a significant milestone on the second matchday of the Champions League group stage 2023/24.

Ahead of the game against FC Porto, Xavi takes a SPORT quiz to review his first 99 games as Barça coach. In it, he highlights "the Spanish Super Cup final against Madrid" as his best night as Barça coach, says he has learned "to be stable" and "be more calm" and wants to "celebrate titles along the way" if he reaches 200 games.

Xavi answers to SPORT quiz

Best match?

The victory against Madrid in the Super Cup. It was our first title, against Madrid and the game reflects the idea we want.

Most difficult match?

The 0-3 home defeat by Bayern last year.

Most celebrated goal?

Kessié's 2-1 against Madrid.

What have you learned in these 100 games?

To be stable, there is a lot of noise around the team and I have to isolate the players when there is a lot of euphoria or a lot of negativity.

What has surprised him most?

The pressure and the demands are multiplied compared to when I was a player.

Differences between the Xavi of the first game and the Xavi of the 100th game?

I have more experience and more peace of mind, I approach matches with more calm.

How do you imagine your 200th match?

If I get there it will be a good sign, that things are going well. I hope I'll be celebrating titles along the way.