Xavi Explains Why He Turned Down Barcelona
Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez has revealed why he turned down Barcelona when they came calling, but hopes to take the reins at Camp Nou in the near future.
Xavi was heavily linked with replacing Ernesto Valverde, who was sacked earlier this week after the 3-2 defeat against Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the revamped Supercopa de Espana.
The Spaniard has admitted he turned down his former side prior to the appointment of Quique Setien as he felt coaching in Europe now is somehow premature in his young coaching career.
“Yes, I received an offer from Barcelona in the presence of Eric Abidal and Oscar Grau, but I didn't accept it,” the 39-year-old told reporters on Thursday.
“It's too soon to coach Barcelona, but it will continue to be my dream to be Barcelona coach in the future.”
The former Spain international said he first told his family when asked who first learned he had turned down the Spanish champions’ approach.
“I told my family first and then the Al-Sadd players because they were following the topic,” he added.
Xavi believes the appointment of Setien is the calm after the storm as it has ended every speculations about his future at the Doha based football team.
He concluded: “I wasn't in my best position during the three days, but I'm now totally focused on Al -Sadd.”
Xavi is preparing his side to face Al-Duhail on Friday in the Qatar Cup final.
