The 40-year-old has been closely associated with Quique Setien’s replacement, but for now, at least he wants to continue in Qatar.
Xavi is not ready yet to coach Barcelona
Al Sadd boss Xavi made it clear that now is not the right time for him to take over Barcelona’s leadership. The 40-year-old has been closely associated with Quique Setien’s replacement, but for now, at least he wants to continue in Qatar. I don’t think I’m going to Barcelona soon, no,” Xavi said in an interview. “In January, I told them it was not the right time, and now they have not contacted me. I wish Barcelona the best. I have a lot of respect for head coach Quique Setien. He has a very similar style of play to what Barcelona needs, which is Cruyff-esque. Another thing is the results that come with it.” Xavi, however, admits that he is wanted to be offered the chance to coach Barcelona in the future.
Barcelona needs Messi and Messi needs Barcelona
“It would be a privilege to coach Barcelona one day with a dream team, with Jordi Cruyff, Carles Puyol, and some of the current players,” He explained. “I would like to create a team with real people who know the club, people with my confidence, and my ideas.” Lionel Messi has been linked to a potential retirement from Camp Nou when his contract expires in 2021, but Xavi believes that Barcelona must do everything to tie him. “He deserves it; an automatic clause,” he said. “Messi needs Barcelona and Barcelona needs Messi. They need to make him happy because they are happy with Messi; they will win more trophies. I hope we can meet again on a professional level. To have the best player in history on your team is to have an ace to win.” The Catalan also discussed an issue he believes needs to be addressed in football.
“There is also machismo in football, yes; it’s a reflection of society,” Xavi said. “Football is one of the only sports – and jobs – where workers are abused, be they, football players or coaches. Let’s stop this now. It is unacceptable, for example, that the waiter is offended while doing his job. We cannot tolerate racism, sexism, or any other kind of violence. We must eradicate them by stopping the games automatically. The referee is the first one who should say:” We don’t play here because the conditions are not right.”