Barcelona head coach Xavi has said that Saturday's La Liga title celebrations brought back fond memories from his playing days at Camp Nou.
The legendary midfielder is widely regarded as one of the best players to represent the Catalan outfit, and he won eight La Liga titles during a glittering playing career with the club.
The 43-year-old has led Blaugrana to the 2022-23 La Liga title, which is his second trophy since arriving as head coach in November 2021, having also delivered the Spanish Super Cup earlier this year.
Barcelona suffered a 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad on Saturday, but they secured the title last weekend by beating Espanyol, and the team officially lifted the trophy after the defeat to Imanol Alguacil's side.
"It is the spitting image of happiness. It's a great experience. Many memories of a player have come back to me. It's a league title for stability and calm. Now there's tremendous harmony. It's what I asked for at the Joan Gamper," said Xavi during his post-match press conference.
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Barcelona have won 27, drawn four and lost four of their 35 league games this season to collect 85 points, which has left them 14 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid in the table.
The Catalan outfit lost to Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, though, and they again failed to make it out of their Champions League group before losing to Manchester United in the Europa League knockout round playoffs earlier this year.
"There's a harmony with the fans. We lacked rhythm today because we've been celebrating for a week. We didn't have a great game," Xavi added on Saturday night.
"I've prepared my speech because I wanted to thank you for being the Barca coach. I'm very happy to be the coach of these players, to be able to sing the Barca anthem with the fans!"
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"The base is very solid for the next season, with young players who feel the colours. Next year it won't be easy, because we're going to Montjuic (new stadium), but if we strengthen ourselves and with the help of the board and the fans we can have a very exciting year.
"The worst moment of the season? When you get the feeling that the fans don't believe in you. The Barcelona environment is cruel in this sense.
"My favourite moment of the season? [Franck] Kessie's goal in El Clasico. That goal won us La Liga."
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that the club will be active during this summer's transfer window despite their financial problems.
Laporta also recently confirmed that he had been in contact with Lionel Messi, as the Argentina international continues to be heavily linked with a return to Camp Nou from Paris Saint-Germain.
Matt Law
