Xavi drops another hint on Barcelona return

The former Barcelona midfielder opened up about his future plans during a weekend that saw him win his seventh title as manager of Al Sadd.

Xavi Hernandez has revealed that he previously rejected the chance to manage Barcelona, but claims he is now ready to ‘coach any team in the world’.

Since the start of his coaching career at Al-Sadd in 2019, Xavi has regularly been touted for the manager’s job at Camp Nou. He has, however, played his cards close to his chest. His desire to coach Barcelona is no secret. It’s always been a matter of when rather than if.

Qatar Football Association Award 🏅

Best Coach Award 👔

Xavi Hernandez 👨 @AlsaddSC pic.twitter.com/Q3gYehxJVR

— Qatar Stars League (@QSL_EN) October 19, 2021

But during a weekend that saw him win his seventh title as a manager on Saturday – where Al Sadd defeated Al Rayyan on penalties in the Emir Cup final – Xavi gave his clearest indication yet.

“Yes, I feel ready to coach any team in the world,” said the 41-year-old as quoted on Marca.

“When they offered me it, I’d only been a coach for three months, but now it’s different. I have more experience and I’m learning a lot here.

“I want to tell everyone that I’m very happy in Qatar and my idea is to keep achieving success with this team.”

Xavi is under contract as Al-Sadd manager until 2023.