Xavi Q&A: Former Barcelona star talks Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola and 2022 World Cup

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Xavi sits down to answer questions on Pep, Messi and much more
Xavi sits down to answer questions on Pep, Messi and much more

Former Barcelona star Xavi answers questions on a variety of subjects, including Pep Guardiola’s impact at Man City and analyses whether Barcelona can catch Real Madrid in La Liga.

Xavi, who is now playing in the Qatar Stars League and is an ambassador for Generation Amazing, a CSR project supported by the 2022 World Cup organisation committee.

Watch Barcelona great Xavi getting a taste of his own medicine as he's completely out-skilled by a football freestyler

In a revealing question and answer session, Xavi speaks about why a winter World Cup will be "perfect", Barcelona's hopes for the season and the battle between Lionel Messi v Cristiano Ronaldo for World Player of the Year.

Xavi on... Barcelona's title bid

Barcelona still have a squad capable of winning titles and other trophies this year. They have a fantastic coach. There are always ups and downs in a season. Barcelona played much better in the second half of El Clasico. I understand why Real Madrid are favourites for La Liga but Barcelona have the capabilities to cut the gap.

Highlights of Barcelona v Real Madrid in La Liga

Xavi on... Pep Guardiola

If Pep Guardiola's Manchester City had beaten Chelsea, they would have been top. I think people understand they need a bit of time to adapt to Pep's ideas. I have no doubts that Pep is doing extraordinary work and is bringing the right type of football to Manchester City - it's the right way to play.

FT Manchester City 1 - 3 Chelsea

But people need to show a little patience and adapt to new concepts. A result can change people's perception about how things are going. If City had beaten Chelsea, not only would they be top of the table, people would have been talking about Pep imposing his style and the speed at which he's made the transition in terms of the brand of football City are playing.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague shares his thoughts on the 1-1 draw between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Barca still trail leaders Real Madrid by six

Xavi on... Messi transfer talk

Messi is content at that football club and happy with his life. It's completely logical that many clubs will want to recruit him to improve their football but I can't see a situation where he leaves Barcelona. He's so happy there.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will do battle for the World Player of the Year award
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will do battle for the World Player of the Year award

Xavi on...Messi v Ronaldo for World Player of the Year

I've said it an infinite amount of times but Lionel Messi is the best player in the world and perhaps the best ever.

It's understandable that Cristiano Ronaldo is seen as the favourite this year as he's won the Champions League and European Championships. However, Messi had a very good season for club and country so it's going to be a tight decision.

Xavi on...life in Qatar

My role here is Qatar isn't just being a footballer. I'm working with coaches and kids - they inspire me. Beyond that, the Supreme Committee have allowed me see what great work Generation Amazing is achieving and it's been a pleasure to join them.

One of their main aims to help people all around me. That makes me happy. We're engaged in helping people with projects in Jordan and Pakistan. It means when I go home after a day's work I feel even better than normal. I'm really happy with my role in this country.

Xavi on...2022 World Cup in Qatar

I've got experiences of being here and training in high temperatures. I think it's the right decision to move it to winter because the temperatures are much cooler. It's a good idea.

One of the reasons why I think it'll be an extraordinary World Cup is the lack of distance to travel between each stadium. This means that footballers won't have to travel long distances and can be in the same hotel throughout the tournament.

I think the organisation of the World Cup will be perfect. That's partly because they've been working on it for six years. There is still a long time to go, so I think we can expect perfection. I think it will be an extraordinary World Cup.

Xavi won four Champions League titles at Barcelona
Xavi won four Champions League titles at Barcelona

There will be similar levels of enthusiasm to if the World Cup was held in Europe. In league matches here, it's not a habit to go to games in huge numbers - but that will change for a World Cup.

When the Qatari national team plays the stadiums are almost always full and you can sense the enthusiasm growing as the World Cup draws closer. In this country people are so passionate about football. 

Source : skysports[dot]com

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