Xavi takes first training session

The day after signing his contract and appearing at his official presentation, Xavi Hernández has got straight down to work with his new squad, albeit withjout the players that are away on international duty. He also called on Comas, Mika Mármol, Álvaro Sanz, Ez Abde, Jutglà, Aranda and Ilias Akhomach from Barça B.

Barça president Joan Laporta also made a point of stopping by the Ciutat Esportiva to greet Xavi and the rest of the coaching staff and players, joined by vice-president for sport Rafa Yuste, director of football Mateu Alemany, director of the international area Jordi Cruyff and chief technical secretary Ramon Planes.

The session gave the new coach his first real contact with the players on the pitch, as he begins preparations for the derby with Espanyol on Saturday 20 November.

There is another workout planned for the same time, 11.00am CET, on Wednesday, and on Thursday and Friday too, while the team will take a break at the weekend.