Ex-Nigeria international and Barcelona star backs Xavi’s managerial appointment

Former Barcelona and Super Eagles right-back Gbenga Okunowo has backed Xavi Hernandez to succeed in his new role.

Xavi was recently appointed as the head coach of the Catalan giants after cutting his time short with Qatar club Al-Sadd.

And Okunowo, who was teammates with the Barcelona star in 1998, has tipped Xavi for success with the Spanish outfit.

He revealed that Xavi’s ability to read the game was ever-present even during their playing days together.

Okunowo also suggested that Xavi’s knowledge of the club’s tradition would lead them back to ‘Glory days’.

Speaking to Goal through Shina Oludare, Gbenga Okunowo said:

“He’s Barca through and through, so he knows that he needs to use his experience and all the skillset he has gained over the years to make his coaching tenure a successful one.”

“He knows what needs to be done to make Barcelona reach their top-notch level of performance. I know him as a calm person.”

“He will set up his management and backroom staff in such a way that all hands will be on deck to deliver good football results for Barca.”

“Everyone is waiting for him to start his coaching job and hit the ground running, and he will do all that is necessary to return Barcelona to its glory days.”

Gbenga Okunowo was born in Ibadan and moved to Barcelona from Shooting Stars in 1997 at the age of 18.

However, he was released by the club after two unsuccessful loan spells. 

On the International stage, Okunowo featured only eight times for the National team between 1997 to 2000. He was part of the Nigerian team in the 2000 Olympics games held in Australia.

Image credit; IG@official.gbenga