Spanish former Barcelona player Xavi Hernandez, who is currently the head coach of Qatari club Al-Sadd, stated that he "really wants to return to his country." Xavi's comments come as Barcelona's management is in talks with Al-Sadd officials to take over as the head coach of the Catalan team. Rafael Yuste, the first vice president of Barcelona, and Matteo Alemany, the club's director of football, attended Al-Sadd's 3-3 draw with Al-Duhail on Wednesday in the Qatari Stars League, a result that keeps Xavi's team at the top of the standings, three points ahead of their closest rivals, Al-Duhail.
The former midfielder, who played 767 matches for Barcelona and won 25 titles during a glorious period at the club, is the frontrunner to take over the coaching role following the sacking of Dutchman Ronald Koeman last week. Al-Sadd emphasized last week that Xavi is focused only on his work with the Qatari team, with his current contract lasting for two years, but the coach confirmed that an agreement regarding his future could be reached within hours.
Xavi told the Spanish newspaper (Mundo Deportivo), "I really want to return home. Talks are ongoing between the two clubs and a resolution has to be found. I am very excited, but it is about respect—I have a contract." He added, "It would be a return home. The clubs should communicate to reach an agreement. I hope this happens because I am very excited and eager for it."
The Spanish coach explained, "I am very optimistic. I have been very clear about my position. I think it will take hours, maybe days. They know my position and I hope it happens." After drawing 1-1 with Deportivo Alavés at home in his first match since Koeman’s dismissal in La Liga, Barcelona boosted their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv the day before.
