Xavi and Guardiola: what are the things the two managers share in common?

When Pep Guardiola replaced Frank Rjikaard took charge of Barcelona in 2008, he was an unproven manager managing Barcelona B but he shocked the world by winning 14 trophies in four years including two Champions League.

Xavi Hernandez is about to go down the same path at almost a similar time of his career and at almost a similar age but with a little difference. Barcelona were a more stable team when Guardiola took over than they were now. They had no financial issues and had Lionel Messi ready to take the world by storm.

Joan Laporta was Barcelona's president at that time in his first presidential reign. Guardiola had the effrontery to send out some top stars in Barcelona including Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o in his time. Lionel Messi is out and the likes is Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets could be sent out by Xavi.

Guardiola utilised the trio of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi in his years. At Xavi's disposal right now for similar use it Riqui Puig, Pedri and Ansu Fati, all three are no stranger to Xavi as Puig and Fati came through Barcelona academy La Masia. All in all it's a big task for Xavi.