News
Xavi Is ‘Hurt, Surprised’ By €80m Barcelona Player’s Statements
FC Barcelona have been mixed up with all sorts of random news and gossip in recent years. Given the club’s infamous financial situation, it was hardly a surprise to see such controversy and news floating around.
However, avoiding such information is something that Barcelona has put a lot of emphasis on.
Despite this emphasis on avoiding drama outside the club, the team has not always been able to do just that. Unfortunately, former coach Xavi Hernandez saw his words in the media be twisted as well and many believe it was ultimately the reason behind why he was sacked by the club.
Now, he has been succeeded by German coach Hansi Flick this season and the former Barcelona coach remains out of contract with any club as he stays a free agent for now. However, some recent words from Pedri have reportedly hurt the former first team coach.
According to SPORT, Pedri’s recent statement about the difference in how Hansi Flick’s intensity has been playing a role in helping Barcelona compared to how the team was during Xavi’s time has been seen as a problematic statement by the former coach and his camp, and it has ‘hurt and surprised’ his previous coach.
Believing that the former Barcelona icon and coach always defended the young 21-year-old midfielder, his recent statements are a form of betrayal. Even when the former Golden Boy winner was injured, Xavi continued to defend him and always gave him the feeling of being indispensable in his team.
However, Pedri’s acknowledgment that Barcelona seems to work harder now than before feels like a clearly misleading comment to both Xavi and his closest associates. Moreover, SPORT has highlighted that the coach also never rushed the player while he was injured and this constant communication and deployment based on how Pedri was feeling was something that Xavi always focused on to help the youngster return with ease.
An unfortunate occurrence, if true, because of how close Pedri and Xavi seemed to be. While his time as a coach may have passed, the Egarense native will always be a Barcelona icon and even his time as a manager should be remembered fondly for bringing about new talents and even helping the team win some major titles.
ICPC Takes Anti-Corruption Crusade To NFF
14th Women Africa Cup Of Nations: Falcons Will Adopt One-match-at-a-time Strategy – Nnadozie
Enyimba, 3SC, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United, Others Storm Lagos For Football Fiesta
**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202619 hours agoJoe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202619 hours ago
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 202619 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo gets backing from Jorge Jesus as new Portugal boss confirms Al-Nassr star remains central to World Cup plans
-
World Cup 202619 hours ago
Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
-
World Cup 202611 hours ago
**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
-
World Cup 202619 hours ago
Kylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
-
Sports Analysis12 hours ago
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
-
Other News19 hours ago
Tony Cascarino reveals what Cole Palmer must do to emulate Chelsea legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard
