The Barcelona legend has long been tipped to take the reins, and Cazorla has now endorsed his credentials for the role.
Santi Cazorla is certain Xavi Hernandez will become a ‘Barcelona coach one day’ after playing under him in Qatar since August.
Reports have frequently linked the Blaugrana icon with a return to Camp Nou recently. Barca are already on their third different manager in Ronald Koeman this year, but it’s uncertain if the Dutchman will stay.
The upcoming club presidential elections will probably determine Koeman’s future, with several candidates already confirming interest in appointing Xavi as the manager.
But while the 40-year-old has confessed his desire to take on the role one day, he remains committed to his current club Al Sadd.
“Without a doubt, Xavi is a great coach,” Cazorla told FIFA.com on his former Spain teammate and current Al Sadd boss.
“I deal with him on a daily basis, and the many leadership qualities he had as a player he now has as a coach. He’s making great strides as a coach and brings his own philosophy.
“I think he’ll be Barcelona coach one day, but that’s his decision and he’ll know when it’s the right time to take that step.
“Even though he’s a graduate of La Masia like [Pep] Guardiola, that doesn’t mean he’ll be a copy of him. He has a different coaching style and a lot of tactical ideas, so I’m sure he’ll be a great coach. We all need to wait and see.”
Cazorla added: “Xavi is a great player and the whole world saw what he did with Barcelona and the national team.
“He’s one of the best midfielders in history, and he proved this with his great performances and the titles he won.
“It’s great to play under his management at Al Sadd. He’s doing a great job with the club and has big ambitions, and I think everyone appreciates what he does.”
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