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MADRID, May 9 (Reuters) - Barcelona's appointment of Pep Guardiola to replace Frank Rijkaard as coach after the end of the season, has been backed by midfielder Xavi.
President Joan Laporta confirmed the decision on Thursday, a day after Barca were hammered 4-1 in the Primera Liga by arch-rivals and champions Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Although Guardiola, 37, has only had one season's coaching experience with Barcelona B in the tercera division (fourth tier), Xavi felt he had the qualities needed to be a success.
"Guardiola is a good choice. He is a Barcelona man, was brought up here, knows the club and has a lot of personality," the Spain international told a news conference on Friday.
"As a player he liked to be in charge, and he had a great presence on and off the pitch."
Xavi added it was the players' fault the club are getting rid of Rijkaard but he understood why the decision was made.
"There is a clear reason...two years without winning a title. It's because of this people say we are in a crisis. This year we have had great players but not a great team," he added.
"We (the players) believe we could have done much more to avoid the situation we are in. When things aren't going well it's logical that there are going to be many changes.
"Rijkaard is an example to everyone as a coach and a person, and has left his mark on the squad. Guardiola did as a player, and we hope he does the same as a coach."
