"I'm coming home, I know it's complicated, economically and footballistically," said Xavi, appointed Barça coach on Saturday after leaving the bench of Qatari club Al-Sadd.

Saying "moved" in front of 10,000 Blaugrana supporters gathered in the stands of Camp Nou - far from the 25,000 hoped for by Barça management - the Catalan technician signed his contract on the lawn where he played from 1998 to 2015.

"Today is a historic day for Barça," said club president Joan Laporta, stressing that Xavi is coming "when the club needs it most".

"Here, we cannot draw or lose, we are Barça, we are the best club in the world. We have to win every game," insisted the 41-year-old coach.

The former midfielder was able to realize the scale of the construction site that awaits him, upon his return to Catalan soil on Saturday, by following the Catalans' match on the lawn of Vigo: leading 3-0 at mid -time, the Barcelona ended up conceding the draw 3-3 at the very end of the game.

"You don't have to be tough, you have to follow the rules. When I was playing and there were rules in the locker room it worked well. When there weren't any, it didn't work. not good. It's not discipline, it's order, "he said.

The Catalan formation, bloodless financially and bruised by the surprise departure of Messi for PSG in August, points to a disappointing ninth place after 12 days and remains on several great European disappointments in recent seasons.

Xavi Hernandez in communion with the supporters culés, during his official presentation as coach of Barça, November 8, 2021 at Camp Nou LLUIS GENE AFP

Xavi, smiling, also revealed that Messi had wished him "good luck", adding: "I can not think of the players who are no longer there".

"We have a very good and very young generation, we must help them to continue to have this level and to progress", he judged, referring to the hopes of Barça as the young people Gavi, Pedri, Ansu Fati, Nico Gonzalez or Eric Garcia.

Pure product of Masia, the Barcelona training center, and pupil of Pep Guardiola during his career, Xavi also insisted on "Barça DNA", made of "possession game, high pressure", which made the success of the club while on the pitch.

"I know the club, the players, the club's entourage, there will be criticisms," said Xavi.

"It's the most difficult club in the world because you have to play well and win, you have to convince."

Numerous supporters waving the flags of Barça during the presentation of Xavi as a new coach, at the Camp Nou, on November 8, 2021 LLUIS GENE AFP

For the first game of their new coach, Barca will face Espanyol Barcelona for a derby on November 20 before a decisive Champions League game against Benfica on the 23.

© 2021 AFP