Frank Rijkaard looks at Xavi with pride. The 43-year-old coach can prepare for his first national title as coach of Barcelona. Rijkaard, who took Xavi under his wing with the Catalans in the past, has ‘wonderful memories’ of his former pupil.
“Xavi has become a king in football,” Rijkaard told Barcelona’s official club channels. “I am very happy for him, especially because he will be champion with Barcelona. He deserves it and it is wonderful for the people at the club. They are on the right track.” With five league matches to go, Barça currently has a thirteen-point lead over nearest attacker Atlético Madrid. With a win over Espanyol, Barcelona will crown itself champion of Spain for the 27th time on Sunday.
??? FRANK RIJKAARD: “I have great memories of Xavi — he has become a king of football.” pic.twitter.com/mMnw7ZHkCC
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 9, 2023
Rijkaard also has fond memories of Joan Laporta, who was re-elected as president of Barcelona in 2021 after a six-year absence. “We have worked together and it is great to see success being achieved. It is very important to become champion of Spain, so my compliments. I hope they make Barca champions. I have always been very proud, it was an honor to be able to work there”, said the former prof.
Rijkaard himself was a trainer of Barcelona between 2003 and 2008. With the Catalans he won the national title twice. In 2006, Rijkaard was also able to add the Champions League win to his palmares with Barça. During his years as a trainer, he experienced the rise of Xavi, Iniesta and Lionel Messi, among others, at the Camp Nou.