I just think he is a Barca loyalist who has his VISION for a superior, elite Barca and he wants what he wants. Everything else is expendable. He was always a quieter, less flamboyant player (verbally), and I think his managerial style relays that. He is matter-of-fact, tells it like it is, and isn't interested in being "friends" with the players.
To Xavi, players are assets or instruments and that is all. Unless its a superstar like Neymar or Mbappe, he isn't going to placate them, he isn't going to ask them for their input, he will build the team he wants and who he wants will play. End of story.