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A club legend has also outlined his objectives after succeeding Ronald Koeman in the Camp Nou hot seat.

New Barcelona boss Xavi has revealed that he received a "good luck" text from Lionel Messi ahead of his return to the club, while also addressing comparisons between himself and Pep Guardiola.

Xavi replaced Ronald Koeman in the Camp Nou hot seat last week after terminating his contract at Al Sadd, with Barca turning to a club legend to steady the ship after a disappointing start to the 2021-22 campaign.

The 41-year-old, who enjoyed a trophy-laden career in Catalunya as a player, has been wished well in his new position by his former team-mate and friend Messi, but does not regret missing out on the chance to coach the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.

What's been said?

Asked if he would have liked to manage Messi, who left Camp Nou after 21 years in the summer before joining Paris Saint-Germain, Xavi told reporters at his official presentation on Monday: “Messi, [Samuel] Eto’o, Ronaldinho, of course, but they are not here. Messi is a great friend, he text me good luck. But we cannot think about the players that are not here.”