Xavi Hernández (Terrassa, 43 years old) is in love with his sport. He lives it anytime, anywhere. As a ball addict, he is aware of everything that is going on and he is enthusiastic about the level that the players of the Spanish team have reached in the World Cup that ends this Sunday. 13 years ago, as the brain of the red, he was proclaimed world champion in South Africa and can perfectly intuit what is going through the minds and hearts of the players led by Jorge Vilda. Out of admiration and knowledge, Xavi advises them through ‘La Vanguardia’ to have as much fun as possible and, above all, to let their football flow.
What advice would you give to the players of the Spanish team who are playing the final this Sunday?
Advice? That they enjoy the moment, although I am aware that it is difficult because I know that it is what they have dreamed of throughout their lives or it may even be more than they have dreamed of. I’m sure there are a lot of nerves. I remember the 2010 final, before playing against the Netherlands, we all had a lot of nerves before the game. We also had a lot of euphoria within the locker room to be there, given this great opportunity. When you’re facing a game like this, the feeling of making history is brutal. I believe that the best thing is that they try to enjoy the moment, that they abstract themselves from everything and that they try to play football, which is what they know how to do best.
Have you been able to follow the games during the World Cup?
Well yes. The truth is that they play very, very well. The semifinal against Sweden was spectacular. I’ve seen them a lot in this World Cup and I’m loving them.
How did you live the days before the final of 2010?
Well, with a lot of expectation, with the feeling that I would never experience it again, he caught me at 30 years old too. It is true that now many of them are very, very young.
In your opinion, who are the most important soccer players in the national team?
I would highlight the role of many, from the most veteran like Irene Paredes or Alexia Putellas or Jennifer Hermoso to surprises like Teresa Abelleira or Olga Carmona. Then there is the role of players younger than the veterans. For example, there is the shine of Aitana Bonmatí. Right now Aitana and Alexia are the two best players in the world for me. Aitana is at a spectacular, bestial level. And then Ona Batlle, a right-back who has just been signed by Barça, is also at a very good level, like Laia Codina or Cata Coll, who came on as goalkeeper. They are a pride for everyone.
Do you think that this success represents the consolidation of women’s football in Spain or is there still a long way to go?
There is still a long way to go, yes, but I think they have already overcome the barrier two or three years ago, through the national team, and especially Barça, which has invested heavily in women’s football. A bet that Madrid has joined. They have already overcome barriers. What happens is convenient. It is very convenient that they have reached this final to show that women’s football is very nice to watch. Seeing how they work is sensational. What they have achieved is very meritorious. I am very happy for them, I know many of them and I have a very good relationship, especially with Alexia and Aitana, also with Jorge Vilda and I am very happy for them.
