RIYADH: Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez believes the Saudi Pro League will “grow as much as Saudi Arabia wants it to grow” and says he is “a big fan” of the competition.
Speaking at a press conference before the start of the Spanish Super Cup 2024, currently underway in Riyadh, the Barcelona legend was emphatic in his praise of football in the Kingdom.
Xavi, whose side face CA Osasuna in the second semifinal of this year’s Spanish Super Cup at Al-Awwal Park on Thursday night, knows the region well, having ended his playing career, and began his managerial career, in Qatar.
Xavi said: “I think the league can grow as much as the Saudi executives want. They have all the capacity to grow. I have competed in several cups across Asia in the past and the Saudi teams were already the best in the region. If you now add to the mix the players that keep coming to the league, they will be even more competitive. The league will grow as much as they want it to grow. They will be hosting the World Cup in 2034 and the country will grow significantly. They have all the capacity to grow and to invest.”
Xavi, who has managed Barcelona for three years and had 17 distinguished years of service at the Nou Camp as a first-team player, added: “I am a big fan of the Saudi league. I was at Al-Sadd in Qatar, and I follow Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Shabab and many other teams in Saudi. There are very big names competing in this league and it has grown significantly. The Saudi league was already one of the most competitive leagues in the region and with the players and coaches that are coming here, it will grow even more.”
Barcelona, under Xavi’s command, are the Spanish Super Cup holders, having won the 2023 edition in Riyadh by beating archrivals Real Madrid 3-1 in the final. Barcelona went on to claim the La Liga title, and Xavi says they are determined to retain the Spanish Super Cup. Barcelona have won the competition 14 times, more than any other club.
Xavi said: “Last year we won two titles and one of them was the Super Cup. That win was a turning point for the team, we clicked and, of course, we want to win another title. We have a tough rival in the semifinal, whom we really respect along with their coach.”
The 43-year-old manager’s thoughts were echoed by Barcelona’s Uruguayan international defender Ronald Araujo, a member of last season’s Spanish Super Cup winning team.
Araujo said: “Winning the Super Cup last year was a turning point for the team. We want this to be the case again. We really want to win again because it is a very important title for the team now and for Barcelona Football Club.”
While Barcelona, currently third in La Liga, seven points behind leaders Real Madrid, go into the semifinal as firm favorites, Osasuna will do everything they can to achieve a momentous victory in Riyadh. The Pamplona-based side lie 12th in the 20-team league, and enter the Spanish Super Cup 2024 having been runners-up to Real Madrid in last season’s Copa del Rey final.
Osasuna manager Jagoba Arrasate said of the upcoming Spanish Super Cup semifinal versus Barcelona: “This is an historic moment for the team and now that we are here, we need to give it all. No one can take away from us the illusion of winning.
“Barcelona’s style is to dominate the match, but we must have the ball and make them uncomfortable. We need the best version of Osasuna in order to win and, of course, we are hoping to have a very special night.”
Osasuna captain David Garcia said: “For me, participating in this Super Cup is a dream come true. I have played for this team since I was 9 years old and being here with my friends and the team makes me very proud.
“It is never a good time to face a rival of the stature of Barcelona, even if they are not going through the best moment. I would like to see an Osasuna team that is solid, competitive and that plays true to its style. I really believe in the team’s winning mindset for the game,” added the 29-year-old.
This is the fourth time that the Spanish Super Cup has been played in Saudi Arabia. In 2020, Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid on penalties in Jeddah, and won the trophy again two years later by beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in Riyadh. Last year, the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh witnessed a fascinating El Clasico final as Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid.
The four-team Spanish Super Cup 2024 features the winners and runners-up of La Liga and Copa del Rey. Thursday’s semifinal between Barcelona and Osasuna kicks off at 10 p.m. Saudi Arabia time. The final of the competition takes place on Sunday at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh at 10 p.m. with Barcelona or Osasuna playing Real Madrid, who beat Atletico Madrid in the other semifinal on Wednesday.
