---

January 11, 2024

According to Xavi, the Saudi Pro League “can grow as much” as the Kingdom desires – Saudi Pro League

RIYADH: Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez says he is “a big fan” of the Saudi Pro League and thinks it will “grow as much as Saudi Arabia wants it to grow.”

During a press conference before the commencement of the Spanish Super Cup 2024 in Riyadh, the legendary player from Barcelona expressed his admiration for football in the Kingdom with great emphasis.

Xavi is familiar with the area; he started his managerial career in Qatar and concluded his playing career there. On Thursday night, his team plays CA Osasuna in the second semifinal of this year’s Spanish Super Cup at Al-Awwal Park.

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, a three-year Barcelona manager and 17 illustrious years as a first-team player at the Nou Camp, continued: “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.”

Under Xavi’s leadership, Barcelona is the current holders of the Spanish Super Cup. They defeated archrival Real Madrid 3-1 in the final to win the 2023 edition in Riyadh. Barcelona went on to win La Liga, and according to Xavi, they are committed to keeping the Spanish Super Cup. Barcelona is the team with the most championship victories—14—in the competition.

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.”

Ronald Araujo, a Uruguayan international defender for Barcelona and a member of the squad that won the Spanish Super Cup the previous season, expressed similar sentiments to the 43-year-old manager.

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.”

Barcelona is the clear favorite going into the semifinals, sitting third in La Liga and seven points behind leaders Real Madrid, but Osasuna will exert every effort to pull off a historic victory in Riyadh. The team from Pamplona is ranked 12th out of 20 teams in the league. The previous season, they finished second to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final and intend to compete in the Spanish Super Cup 2024.

Speaking of the forthcoming Spanish Super Cup semifinal between Osasuna and Barcelona, manager Jagoba Arrasate stated: “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.

Saudi Arabia is hosting the Spanish Super Cup for the fourth time. Real Madrid won the trophy twice, first in 2020 in Jeddah when they defeated Atletico Madrid on penalties and again in Riyadh two years later when they defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0. Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in an exciting El Clasico final held at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh last year.

The La Liga and Copa del Rey winners and runners-up will compete in the four-team Spanish Super Cup 2024. At 10 p.m. on Thursday, Barcelona and Osasuna will play their semifinal match. Saudi time. The competition’s grand finale is set for this Sunday at 10 p.m. at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. Real Madrid, who defeated Atletico Madrid in the other semifinal on Wednesday, will play either Barcelona or Osasuna. 

Be your favorite player’s biggest fan! Check out our site and show them your support.

Footballnews Today | La Liga 2 | Saudi Pro League | Major League Soccer | J League | EFL Championship | Brazilian Serie A