Few people in the world have a pedigree quite like Xavi. His achievements in the game stand him as the perfect person to have an opinion on the World Cup worth listening to, and listen we did when we caught up with him at adidas Brand Centre in Doha recently.
As the sun sets over the Khalifa stadium, 'the torch' emphatically towers over proceedings – but it’s levelled out by the presence of a true great – World Cup winner, Xavi Hernandez. There's a very chilled feeling as well as a behind the scenes buzz from all those looking on as we take a pew opposite the former midfield maestro and now Barca manager. He dominates the focus of the camera, creating space just like he used to on the pitch, making it seem like he is alone when in reality, behind the camera there is a hive of activity; onlookers desperate to share a moment with him.
Sitting on the roof top of the adidas Brand Centre in Doha, it feels like a long summer evening in the UK – only the sun sets at 4:30pm. Xavi is the very personification of calm; nothing flaps him, and he takes it all in his stride, like nothing has changed from his playing days. He’s been there, done that, seen it all, and to top that off he’s also experienced the Middle East first hand. He’s completely unfazed by the occasion, but pleasure at being involved as we chat about the tournament, his first memories of the World Cup and players he’s impressed by can’t be hidden.
Which players have caught your eye the most in the tournament?
The Spanish players are in an extraordinary level and as surprises, there haven't been many from Germany and Argentina, maybe a couple of Tunisians but we already knew them from here. Msakni is a good player from the Qatar League, some Japanese players have been quite surprising too. But the ones that are going to make a difference are Brazil, while France is very powerful. Players themselves it’s still early to tell.
Which players do you like the most? From a coach and a fan perspective, are they the same or is there any difference from the two perspectives?
I always look at the midfielders, as they are the ones that control and set the tempo and personality of the team. I like Modric – how he controls and organises the game. Pedri, Gabi, Busquets, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Goretzka and Kimmich are all good too. Musiala – he can be a star soon.
What feeling do you think people are going to have when they leave Qatar? What picture are they going to have of the country and so on?
I think people are going to leave surprised. There is a lot of prejudice about the Arab culture and there is a lot of criticism out of prejudice. People are going to come here and realise it's a very good country, very welcoming, generous and respectful of other cultures. I've been living here for six years and I consider it my second home, so I believe people are going to leave with a very good consideration of the country.
The best matches are always from the round of 16 or the quarter finals, when it's black or white. Once you pass the group stage and it’s all or nothing, that’s when the World Cup really starts."
Have you seen the people in the souk, dancing, singing, cheering? That's the special part of the World Cup right?
The ambiance is great. Yesterday, when I went back to the hotel and there were Mexicans and Argentinians waiting for today's match it was special. Of course, the mix of people that are in the country has changed but the atmosphere is amazing. It's extraordinary living a World Cup from the inside and seeing people enjoy.
Which is the first tournament you remember from when you were a child? What is it that you remember the most from that World Cup?
My earliest World Cup memories? Mexico ’86 with Maradona and the card collection from Italia '90 with all the players. From then on it was ’94 in the USA and by ‘98 I was almost in the first team and in Barça B.
Do you think we've already seen the best goal of the tournament?
It will be hard to top Richarlison’s goal. The control and the bicycle kick – it was an amazing goal. Let's see, football is always full of surprises so maybe the best goal is yet to come and let's hope it’s from Spain.
And the best match of the tournament? Again, do you think we've seen it already or it's yet to come?
The best matches are always from the round of 16 or the quarter finals, when its black or white. Once you pass the group stage and it’s all or nothing, that’s when the World Cup really starts. That´s when the really good matches happen. I hope the best matches are yet to come.
Spain started 7-0, what made it special for you?
I believe Spain did everything right in their opening game – defence, attack, high circulation and how they attacked effectively getting three goals in 30 minutes. They showed loads of personality, which is what La Selección demonstrates with Luis Enrique. They have a very clear idea and carried it out perfectly, so I hope they can find that level again.
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