Former Barcelona manager Xavi has revealed that the club rejected his request to sign Martín Zubimendi during his time in charge, while insisting he believes he could still cope with the demands of modern football.
Xavi was asked whether he thinks he could still keep up with the pace of today’s game, with football becoming increasingly physical and intense.
The game has changed a little, the game has become more physical… but I think I could, yes,
Xavi said.
The former Spain international was renowned for his technical ability, vision and control during his playing career, becoming one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. His style was heavily based on controlling possession and dictating the tempo from deep.
Xavi also revealed that he wanted Barcelona to sign Zubimendi, who he viewed as a player capable of fitting into the club’s midfield structure.
However, the request was not approved by the Barcelona hierarchy, meaning the Spanish midfielder remained at Real Sociedad at the time.
Zubimendi eventually secured a major move away from the Basque club, continuing to attract attention for his ability to control games, win possession and provide protection in front of the defence.
Softfootball understands that Xavi’s admiration for Zubimendi was linked to the midfielder’s qualities as a deep-lying playmaker, a role that has traditionally been important to Barcelona’s style.
The revelation also highlights the difficulties managers can face when trying to shape a squad according to their tactical ideas, particularly when major transfer decisions require approval from the club’s sporting hierarchy.
Despite stepping away from management, Xavi remains closely associated with Barcelona and the possession-based football philosophy that defined much of his playing and coaching career.
