Future Barcelona coach remains focused on securing the job
Barcelona managerial target gives a positive response about the job.
Barcelona legend, Xavi Hernandez, remains focused on securing a reunion to Camp Nou despite signing a new contract with Qatar side, Al Sadd.
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The former club captain was heavily linked with a move for next season as the ideal replacement for Quique Setien but the Spaniard voiced his concern about the current management especially president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, and sporting director, Eric Abidal.
Xavi had previously refused to replace former coach Ernesto Valverde, which gave way to Quique Setien. The former Betis boss has undoubtedly improved the squad beyond Valverde’s work but failed to improve the team’s consistency which led to their defeat in the La Liga race against Real Madrid.
Many speculated Setien’s exit before the Champions League campaign in August but the board have decided to have a little faith, perhaps due to the lack of options, on the 61-year-old.
Setien will manage the club at least until the Napoli game, and his future will then be decided on the basis of the squad’s performance in that match. Meanwhile, former Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc, Barca ‘B’ coach Francisco Javier García Pimienta, and Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino remain available to replace the Spaniard.
The Barca dressing room, however, desire former player Patrik Kluivert as their coach while Lionel Messi desires Leed’s boss Marcelo Bielsa. For now, the club will keep Setien at bay but are closely monitoring his every move while also heavily preparing for the next season.
Regardless of who gets appointed for next season, Xavi is the favorite to join the squad in the 2021-22 campaign and the former midfielder himself has expressed that desire.
"“I do not hide, and I have always said, that my main goal, when it happens, is Barça . It is my house and it would be a dream. But now I am focused on Al Sadd , looking forward to the new season. When Barça has to come , in the short or long term, it will come. Above all, Quique Setién must be respected and I wish the team all the best,” Xavi said during an interview with Marca.Source Mundo Deportivo"
It remains to be seen what happens at Barcelona until the arrival of Xavi as the Champions League is the only trophy keeping them away from going this entire season without a title, and with European elites like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Juventus being on their path to the finals, things are looking slim for the Catalans.
Are you excited about Xavi’s return as coach of Barca?