Barcelona Legend Xavi Set For Nou Camp Managerial Return
Barcelona chiefs have reportedly offered their former star Xavi Hernandez a two-and-a-half-year contract to replace Ernesto Valverde as manager according to AS.
The Spanish publication and Catalan radio station RAC1 reported that sporting director Eric Abidal and CEO Oscar Grau met with Xavi in Doha before flying back from the Middle East following Thursday’s Super Cup clash in Saudi Arabia.
It is not clear whether Xavi who is currently in charge of Al-Sadd in Qatar, had responded to the reported offer.
Xavi is one of several high-profile names to have been linked with Valverde’s job, with Ronald Koeman, Roberto Martínez and Thierry Henry also having been touted.
Valverde’s position as Barcelona boss has come under increasing pressure following Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup defeat to Atletico Madrid on Thursday.
Barcelona were beaten 3-2 by Atletico despite an improved performance following criticism of Barcelona’s displays of late.
Barcelona are top of La Liga on goal difference, but fans haven’t been happy with some of the performances under Valverde.
Xavi made over 700 appearances for his boyhood club Barcelona and is the third most capped Spanish international footballer, playing 133 times for his country.
Xavi won eight LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues and a host of other trophies with Barca, while his 133-cap Spain career included three successive major international titles at the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.
Despite being in the infancy of his managerial career, Xavi has always admitted that the ultimate goal for him is to return to manage Barcelona.
By Gerald Dandah
