Thierry Henry has come to the defense of Xavi Hernández, praising his legacy and the foundation he laid for Barcelona’s current success. Speaking on Paramount+'s CBS Sports Golazo program, where he serves as a Champions League analyst, Henry acknowledged that while Hansi Flick is now at the helm, it was Xavi who truly started the new era at the club.

“I don’t think Hansi Flick started an era at Barça. It was Xavi who did that, and Flick is continuing what Xavi began,” said Henry, who played for Barcelona between 2007 and 2010. “Xavi gave debuts to players like Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal, and worked with many of the players that are there now. Xavi left, and Flick arrived. I believe this team, after two years playing together and a difficult last season that helped them learn and grow in character, especially for the younger players, now knows how to act. This team should be considered one of the favorites to win the Champions League. Sometimes, you need to lose a semifinal or quarterfinal to understand how hard it is, but I believe they’re on the right path,” Henry added.

In the same program, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also shared his thoughts on Barcelona's current form, particularly their commitment to youth development. He recognized Flick’s experience in the Champions League but noted that Barcelona’s shift toward youth was something new, even for an experienced coach like Flick.

“Flick knows the tournament well and is a great coach, but he didn’t have that deep understanding of what Barcelona represents, especially with the age of these players. We can see Lamine Yamal in major tournaments and he could be one of the best players in the world,” Carragher stated. “We often talk about young players when they’re 20, 21, or 22, but Barcelona has two 17-year-olds, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, starting in the Champions League. To have that level and start the Champions League like this is fantastic, and to win big games like against Bayern is incredible. I really hope this is the start of a new era for Barcelona because the Champions League needs a great Barcelona.”

Both Henry and Carragher highlighted the remarkable potential of Barcelona’s young stars, and their belief that the club is on the cusp of a new golden era.