Xavi praises Hansi Flick’s Barcelona and picks his Ballon d’Or favourite: ‘We also did our bit to help this generation’

Xavi praises Hansi Flick’s Barcelona and picks his Ballon d’Or favourite: ‘We also did our bit to help this generation’ Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has praised the work being done by Hansi Flick while reflecting on the role his own coaching spell played in developing the generation now driving the club forward. Speaking to SPORT after taking charge of the Netherlands national team, Xavi discussed Barcelona’s current progress, the emergence of players such as Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez, and his preference for the next Ballon d’Or winner. The former midfielder made it clear that he remains closely invested in what is happening at Camp Nou despite now working elsewhere. Xavi delighted by Flick’s Barcelona progress Barcelona have continued to build around a young core under Flick, with several players who emerged or developed significantly during Xavi’s tenure now established as important members of the first team. Asked for his assessment of Flick’s work and the current Barça side, Xavi highlighted both the quality of the squad and the German coach’s impact. “Barça are doing very well, to be honest. A fantastic generation of players. Hansi is doing very, very well, which makes me very happy to see how things are going.  Xavi has praised Hansi Flick’s work at Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “We also did our bit to help this generation achieve things, and whether from here or from home, we always follow Barça and wish them all the best,” said the former midfielder. Xavi was then asked whether he feels some of the club’s current success can be connected to the work carried out during his time as manager, particularly with Lamine, Fermin and Pau Cubarsi. Rather than claiming direct credit, the former Barça boss pointed to the satisfaction of seeing young players flourish at the highest level. “If we were at least able to help in some small way to turn the club around at what was practically the worst moment in its history over the last 20–25 years, then we’re already happy.  “When we see players like Lamine, Fermin, Cubarsi and many more who are thriving and, what’s more, are now world champions, it’s a source of immense pride for us.” Xavi backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or Xavi has backed Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) The discussion then turned to the Ballon d’Or and the growing case for Lamine Yamal . Xavi believes the award should remain with a Spanish player after the national team’s World Cup success, although he also acknowledged the remarkable campaign produced by Lionel Messi. “To a Spanish footballer, but Lionel Messi has also put in a tremendous performance at the World Cup.  “At 39, his World Cup campaign has been tremendous, fantastic, but Spain are world champions and surely a Spaniard.  “Lamine is special, he’s different, he’s 19 and he’ll win it without a doubt, but it would be a good year for him to win it now,” he concluded.