Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez made controversial statements in which he claimed that Alejandro Echevarria is the person running the Catalan club behind the scenes, asserting that he was the reason for his dismissal from coaching the club.

According to reports, Alejandro Echevarría is seen as a highly influential figure within FC Barcelona, despite not holding an official position in the management structure or receiving a salary from the club, noting that he is the former brother-in-law of Joan Laporta.

Some press sources from Spain have described him as the "unofficial vice president" or the man with a significant ability to influence daily decisions within the club, particularly regarding relationships with players and upper management.

Reports indicate that Echevarria is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the management of Barcelona in recent years. He plays a role in communicating with players and handling internal matters during player transfer periods or making major decisions for the club, despite not holding an official position within the administrative structure.

Some reports suggest that he has significant influence in the club and is considered very close to the club's president, Joan Laporta, which has sparked widespread controversy in the media, especially before and after the recent elections for FC Barcelona.

Echevarria faced severe criticism from some candidates for the club's management and the public, as they see him as a man with extensive influence who is not directly accountable to the club's members. They also believe that at times he interferes in technical matters or transfers in an unofficial manner.

In summary, Echevarria is not an official director at Barcelona, but he is a figure with real influence in decision-making within the club and is nicknamed the "man in the shadows." He is seen in some media circles as one of those closest to the real power within the club, beyond official titles.