Former Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest recently shared his thoughts on his time at the Catalan club, particularly his relationship with former manager Xavi Hernandez. Dest, who now plays for PSV Eindhoven, suggested that Xavi was not completely truthful with him regarding his future at Barcelona, which ultimately led to his departure. The 23-year-old defender joined PSV on a permanent basis this summer after spending two seasons away from Camp Nou on loan spells.
Dest’s experience at Barcelona began with high expectations. The United States international signed with the club in June 2020 from Ajax and was initially a key player under then-coach Ronald Koeman. However, his fortunes changed drastically when Xavi took over the managerial role, resulting in a frustrating end to his time with the Spanish giants.
A Promising Start at Barcelona
When Dest first arrived at Barcelona, he was seen as a talented young prospect who could help the team rebuild. Under Ronald Koeman, he played a significant role in his debut season, making 44 appearances across all competitions. Known for his pace, attacking instincts, and versatility, Dest quickly became a regular starter and earned the trust of the coaching staff. The American full-back was part of a transitional period at Barcelona, as the club was navigating financial difficulties and adjusting to life without long-time star Lionel Messi.
During his first season, Dest’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively stood out. He was often seen joining the attack, providing width, and creating chances for his teammates. His performances were promising, and he looked set to be a fixture in the team for years to come. However, the situation began to shift when Xavi was appointed head coach in the middle of the following season.
Xavi’s Arrival and Dest’s Struggles
As Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez took the reins from Koeman, Dest found himself struggling to maintain his place in the squad. Despite making 31 appearances in the 2021/22 season, his role within the team began to diminish. Xavi’s tactical philosophy differed significantly from Koeman’s, and it became clear that the new manager had different plans for how he wanted his team to operate, particularly in defense.
Dest’s attacking mindset, which had been a key aspect of his game, did not align perfectly with Xavi’s vision for the team. According to the American, Xavi preferred a more conservative approach, asking him to limit his forward runs. Dest, who had always been known for his ability to contribute offensively, felt that these constraints prevented him from playing to his strengths.
In an interview with Diario SPORT, Dest elaborated on his situation, stating, “I felt like I had to play within limits, that I wasn’t myself. I wanted to join the attack, because that’s my greatest virtue, but he asked me not to go up.”
The shift in tactics affected Dest’s confidence and overall performance, and he soon found himself on the fringes of the squad. Despite his desire to prove himself, the lack of opportunities and the feeling of being restricted by the tactical system left him frustrated.
Conversations with Xavi and Lack of Clarity
One of the most contentious aspects of Dest’s time under Xavi was the lack of clarity about his role and future. Dest claimed that Xavi was not entirely honest during their discussions, which made the situation more difficult for him to navigate. “I don’t think he was honest with me,” Dest said. “We had several conversations where he told me one thing, but then I doubted whether it was really true.”
Dest’s comments indicate a sense of miscommunication and confusion. According to the defender, he was told by Xavi before the summer break, “I’m counting on you, don’t read the press.” However, upon his return from vacation, the narrative had changed. “As soon as I got back, he told me ‘you have to go’,” Dest recalled. The sudden shift in stance left Dest feeling uncertain about his place at the club and ultimately led to his exit.
This period of ambiguity was compounded by Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles. The club was navigating strict financial fair play regulations, which limited their ability to register new players. These restrictions likely influenced the decisions around player exits, and Dest became one of the players affected by the club’s need to balance its books.
Loan Spells and Departure to PSV Eindhoven
With his role at Barcelona uncertain, Dest was sent out on loan to AC Milan for the 2022/23 season. However, his time in Italy did not go as planned. He struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup, and his performances were inconsistent. Milan ultimately decided not to make the move permanent, and Dest returned to Barcelona at the end of the season.
Despite his wish to stay and prove himself at Camp Nou, Dest’s situation had not improved. He was then loaned out once again, this time to PSV Eindhoven, where he managed to rediscover some of his form. Impressed with his performances, PSV decided to sign him on a permanent deal in the summer of 2024.
Reflecting on his time at Barcelona, Dest said, “I wouldn’t say I regret it because in the end, it wasn’t something that depended on me.” He emphasized that while he cherished the experience of playing for such a prestigious club, he was disappointed by how things ended. “It was an incredible and wonderful experience. I will always carry Barca in my heart. It was a shame that it had to end like this because I felt I could still be useful to the club. But when a new coach arrives and has his ideas, you can’t change them.”
Learning and Moving Forward
Dest’s experience at Barcelona serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change in football. The arrival of a new manager with a different vision can alter the trajectory of a player’s career, regardless of their previous contributions. For Dest, the lack of consistent playing time and the feeling of not being trusted by the coaching staff led to a drop in confidence. In a previous interview with The Athletic, he admitted that his “confidence level was a little lower” after Xavi took over, citing the lack of “fair opportunities” as a contributing factor.
Now at PSV Eindhoven, Dest is focused on rebuilding his career. While he has yet to make an appearance this season due to a torn ACL, he remains determined to get back on the pitch and prove his worth. Moving to PSV has given him a fresh start, and he hopes to use this opportunity to regain his form and showcase his abilities.
Conclusion
Sergino Dest’s tenure at Barcelona was marked by moments of promise and periods of uncertainty. Initially viewed as a key player, his fortunes changed with the arrival of Xavi, whose tactical system did not align with Dest’s playing style. The lack of clear communication and the eventual decision to send him out on loan highlighted the challenges Dest faced during his time at Camp Nou.
Despite the setbacks, Dest remains optimistic about the future. His move to PSV Eindhoven represents a new chapter in his career, and he will be keen to make the most of it. As he continues to recover from his injury, fans will be watching closely to see if he can regain the form that made him one of the brightest young talents in football.
