Xavi Hernandez It was the first option that Josep Maria Bartomeu considered when replacing Ernesto Valverde at FC Barcelona. The former Barça player met with Éric Abidal in Doha twice, but ended up declining the culé offer. After the “no” of Terrassa, the Barcelonistas explored other routes and ended up signing Quique Setién.
The former Barça footballer himself has spoken about what happened and has admitted that he rejected the proposal because he still does not believe he is ready for such an adventure. In spite of everything, he affirms that his dream of leading the Blaugrana remains intact. “Yes, I received an offer from Barcelona in the presence of Eric Abidal and Òscar Grau, but I did not accept it, especially because it is too early to train Barcelona. But my dream will continue to be Barça coach in the future, “he acknowledged.
The former ‘6’ of Barça referred to how his environment reacted to the offer of the Barcelona team. It seems that he had to talk about it with his family and even with Al-Sadd players. “I told my family first and then Al Sadd players because they followed the issue. For three days I was not in my best position, but now I am totally focused on Al-Sadd“he commented.
After Xavi’s refusal, Setién will be the coach of Barça at least until 2021. The former Catalan midfielder praised the Santander and said he was delighted with the choice of his club. “I love Barcelona’s new coach, I love the way he works and I hope he succeeds with the team, “he said at the press conference prior to the final of the Qatar Cup.
The former Real Betis is undoubtedly a wonderful option considering the context in which Barça was. The Catalans wanted a change of style with respect to what Valverde offered and the Cantabrian is just that. If the ‘Txingurri’ put the result before how it was achieved, the former Betic is precisely the opposite. For Santander, winning is the result of playing well and does not conceive going out to a field to not dominate and show. That is what Xavi has always defended and hence his words of approval.
Xavi, excited to play the Qatar Cup final
In the press room, Terrassa also referred to how it could not be otherwise to the final that Al-Sadd plays against Al-Duhail. The World Champion with Spain said he was very motivated and looking forward to the match. “I love these games and I hope the players are as excited as I am. We need the support of our fans in the match, “concluded his speech.
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