A former FC Barcelona midfielder has insised that new manager Xavi Hernandez will have to overcome the "Lionel Messi syndrome" at the club.
Xavi was officially unveiled as the Blaugrana's new manager earlier today, and will be tasked with the job of getting the team back up the table as they currently languish in ninth position in LaLiga, 11 points behind log leaders Real Sociedad.
Scroll through the gallery above to see five exciting youngsters Xavi will get to work with at Barcelona
The Spaniard has taken over the reins from interim coach Sergi Barjuan, but will not be able to rely on former Blaugrana teammate Messi after the Argentine's shock departure for Paris Saint-Germain in August.
Despite Messi having moved on three months ago, former Barca and Real Madrid star Bernd Schuster has insisted that Xavi must make the move to close the Albiceleste captain's chapter at the Catalan giants in order to move the club forward.
Read: PSG 'unhappy' with Messi decision
"First of all, the club must shake off the Messi syndrome," Schuster said, per Bild.
"They need to be very honest when it comes to analysing what the current squad offers, unite the youngsters and veterans by getting them to play the same way, and give them a style of play which fits with their potential.
"Even if it's not what the fans want right now after getting used to seeing tiki-taka at its best."
Xavi himself revealed that he had been in contact with Messi after he was confirmed to be Barca's new boss.
"Leo Messi texted me to wish the best of luck," the Spanish tactician explained, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
"He's incredible but he's not here, [just like Samuel] Eto'o or Ronaldinho… we have to think about the future, not about players who are no longer here at Barca."
Here are five players reportedly wanted by Xavi at Barca