Football News

Xavi opens up on why he turned down Barcelona job

Xavi opens up on why he turned down Barcelona job


Xavi Hernandez news

Former Barcelona midfield star Xavi Hernandez has broken his silence as to why he turned down the chance to become the club’s new coach. After Ernesto Valverde was sacked last weekend, the 39-year-old looked to be in pole-position to replace him and many people were surprised when the Catalan giants opted for Real Betis tactician Quique Setien.



“It’s true”, Xavi told reporters, “I did receive an offer from (Director of Football) Eric Abidal and (CEO) Oscar Grau on behalf of Barcelona, but I felt that I couldn’t say yes. To coach Barcelona remains my dream, but at the moment it’s too early for me to accept a job of this magnitude”.

Xavi is currently coaching in Qatar with Al Sadd and has a contact until June of this year. He continued by stating that; “Before I made my decision I talked it over with my family and then my players. It’s not been an easy three days but now I’m totally concentrated on my current squad. I wish Setien all the best in his new role”.

Xavi’s side face Al Duhail on Friday in the final of the Qatar Cup.