Liverpool legend Smitchell has discussed the team's new manager, with the Premier League revealing Xavi could be a possible successor to Jurgen Klopp, with Tom Werner scouting the Spanish teenager. However, Smitchell believes Xavi doesn't fit into Anfield's layout, or that he doesn't fit the Premier League's tactical philosophy. Xavi is determined to leave Camp Nou, so which club does he fit into? Smitchell analyzed that Xavi is in line with the concept of Serie A, Lazio and Milan have the possibility of changing managers, and Karzona may not be able to coach Napoli for a long time, and these clubs are theoretically in line with Xavi's tactical thinking. Of course, Smitchell also emphasized that the intensity of Serie A is not very high, and it can create a relaxed atmosphere for the young coach. And the Apennines have a traditional defensive advantage, and that's something Xavi needs to learn.
Kai Havertz has been in exceptional form and the German star has scored in successive games. And when he's in good form, Arteta makes him a big centre-forward. As a result, even Gabriel Jesus will have to move back in the No.9 position, let alone Nketiah, who is likely to be on the bench for a long time. So, Smitchell also talked about Nketiah's suitability for Barcelona - Deco can consider Nketiah because Lewandowski needs a successor, and the age difference between the two sides is just right. Smitchell also admits that after Deco became Barcelona's sporting director, he thought differently from Laporta when it came to recruitment, which led to frequent disagreements among the management. It is estimated that Xavi can't stand this atmosphere, and he decided to leave the team early. Smitchell still wants Deco to take on more responsibilities, after all, he is more advanced in thinking and the new signings he is considering are more practical.
In terms of the type of player, perhaps Nketiah and Lewandowski have different styles, but there are some overlapping strengths between the two sides. More importantly, Nketiah is the quintessential technical striker, and in theory this type of player is in line with Catalan tradition. And Smitchell reminded Deco that there are very few young centre-forwards in today's football, or a no.9 like Haaland. Nketiah is the right age and his value hasn't exploded yet, as he lacks the chance to prove himself in a major tournament. This is a good time for Deco to consider him, and the current environment of the Red and Blue Army can still develop the technical consistency of young players, and theoretically Nketiah also needs such a platform to improve his overall quality. Moreover, Smitchell also believes that when the Arsenal squad starts to crowd, Nketiah himself will have to think about other clubs.
Smitchell's analysis does point to a few key factors where Xavi might adapt to Serie A. Serie A, as a traditional powerhouse in European football, has been known for its emphasis on tactics, technology and teamwork, although it has declined somewhat in the previous decade and was once considered a "retirement home". Xavi was a technical, tactically aware midfielder during his playing days, and he actually continued this tactical philosophy during his time in charge, so his style coincides with the traditional philosophy of Serie A. In Smitchell's analysis, since Xavi fits the basic philosophy of Apennine football, which club is suitable for him? Mitchell says the possibility of a change of manager is real at two historic clubs, the Nerazzurri and the Rossoneri.
Whether it is for the sake of the team's results or the planning for the future development of the team, it is possible that the two clubs will consider changing managers. If Xavi is able to get the chance to coach these teams at some point, his tactical philosophy and the team's heritage will blend well. The situation in Napoli is also worth watching, and although Karzona is doing well with the Chargers at the moment, the uncertainty of the future makes it possible that he will not be able to coach for a long time. If Xavi has the opportunity to take over this team, his tactical thinking will have the potential to bring new energy and change to Napoli. Of course, these are only theoretical possibilities. Whether Xavi can truly adapt to Serie A also needs to take into account many factors, such as the adaptability of the players, the culture of the club, the competitive environment of the league, etc.
But regardless, Smitchell's analysis gives us a fresh perspective on Xavi's potential in Serie A. The author (an old colleague said things) believes that the fundamental reason why Xavi said goodbye to Camp Nou is not because of his inconsistent record in charge of the team. To put it bluntly, the winning rate of his coach of Barcelona is always higher than that of Koeman in front. And Xavi is a football superstar cultivated in Catalonia, and the local fans should give him more patience. In other words, Xavi left Barcelona mainly because he disagreed with the management. The boards of most Serie A teams don't have a rigid philosophy and give the coaching staff more space, which is one of the reasons why Xavi is in line with the league.