The legendary figure spent 17 long and successful years at Camp Nou and has spoken on his aspirations of taking charge of the club.
Xavi Hernandez is aware that “everyone sees him as a Barcelona coach” but suggests he does not intend to take over from Ronald Koeman for whom he has great respect.
Xavi has long been linked with a managerial role at Barcelona. It is understood that he was even approached by the club in January last year after the dismissal of Ernesto Valverde.
The 41-year-old, however, turned down his dream job offer with a feeling that the timing wasn’t right.
The Catalan giants then went with Quique Setien, whom they sacked after just seven months following a trophyless season, before finally appointing Koeman ahead of 2020-21.
Xavi, who debuted for Barcelona in August 1998 and played made his final appearance in June 2015, winning a total of 25 trophies, has admitted that returning to his roots is something he keenly desires.
The 41-year-old told FIFA’s official website: “Right now, I’m at Al Sadd and I’m doing well here. I’m at a big club in Asia, in Qatar. It’s the best team in Qatar.
“We’ll see what happens in the future. Everyone sees me as a Barcelona coach, and I really respect Barcelona and Koeman, the current head coach.
“I don’t want to hide the truth – of course I would like to be Barcelona’s head coach. I’ve said it many times.
“But I will always respect the presiding coach and the club. I wish them the best of course. I’ve been a Barcelona fan as long as I can remember.
“There’s an upcoming presidential election, so let’s see which candidate wins in roughly a month’s time.”
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