Soccer
Former Nigeria international Emmanuel Amunike believes Barcelona’s current resurgence under Hansi Flick has its roots in the foundation laid by his predecessor, Xavi Hernandez, Soccernet.ng reports.
Speaking in a recent interview with Sofascore (via SPORT), Amunike, who played for Barcelona between 1996 and 2000, credited Xavi for steering the Catalan giants through one of their most turbulent period in recent times.
Appointed in November 2021, Xavi returned to his boyhood club during a period of financial crisis and a struggling team.
Despite the challenges, he led Barça to the Supercopa de España in 2023 and the La Liga title in 2022–23. However, by May 2024, he was dismissed by president Joan Laporta and replaced by former Germany boss Hansi Flick.
Flick, widely regarded for his tactical acumen, has been an instant success. In his debut season, he guided Barcelona to a domestic treble — lifting La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España.
Still, Amunike believes the story doesn’t begin with Flick.
“We must also recognise the work that Xavi has done. In football, people forget easily, but this journey began with Xavi in times of economic hardship,” he said.
“It was he, with the support of the club, who had the ability to bring those young players to the team.”
Amunike, the first Nigerian ever to play for Barcelona, insists that the credit for the young stars now dazzling under Flick should, in part, go to Xavi — who trusted La Masia products during a time when big-money signings were off the table.
“When Xavi arrived at Barça, the team was in the process of restructuring. We have to look at the impact that people have in the long term, and not only in what they achieve in the short term.
“Xavi needs to be respected for what he did and receive recognition; his courage and his faith in those young people must be recognised. Flick is now enjoying the results.”
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One of the brightest stars in this new era is 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal — a player whose professional debut came under Xavi.
“If Xavi hadn’t had the courage to give him the opportunity, nobody would know him,” Amunike said.
“When you have players with so much talent and you can see what they do day after day, week after week, I think it’s worth betting on young players who, even at 17 years old, can be incredible.”
Amunike, who also coached Nigeria’s youth teams to international success and most recently managed Heartland FC of Owerri in the NPFL, praised Yamal not only for seizing his chance but also for being a shining example to La Masia hopefuls.
“What Lamine Yamal does with and without the ball is spectacular. I think it’s a great example for the new generations, as it shows that if you’re good and work hard, you can always achieve what you want to be.
“So I think it’s a pleasure to watch him play and make his people happy, making himself happy and bringing value to football.”
Amunike’s latest stint in coaching saw Heartland relegated from Nigeria’s top flight.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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