Real Reason Xavi Snubbed La Liga Champions, Barcelona

Al-Sadd manager and Barcelona legend, Xavi Hernandez, has explained that he turned down an opportunity to become manager of the La Liga champions.

Naija News reports that Xavi was highly tipped to replace Ernesto Valverde at the Nou Camp after Barcelona chiefs, Eric Abidal and Oscar Grau held talks with him in Doha and offered him a contract.

But the World Cup winner rejected a two-and-a-half-year deal and the Blaugrana snapped former Real Betis manager Quique Setien.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi said he turned down the opportunity to manager Barca because he is only just beginning his managerial career.

“Yes, I received an offer from Barcelona in a meeting with Eric Abidal and Oscar Grau but I did not accept it, especially because it is too early to train Barcelona but it will remain my dream in the future to be a Barca coach,” Xavi told Mundo Deportivo.

“First I told my family and then the 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.”