Football news, gossip and rumours - 'It's my dream to coach Barca,' says Xavi, as he confirms talks

ByAlexander Netherton

Updated 11/01/2020 at 21:12 GMT

Barcelona are in talks with Al-Sadd over the return of their former midfielder Xavi, as he admitted that becoming Barca coach is his 'dream'.

Muhammad Ghulm Al Balushi, Al Sadd's Sporting director said: "There are negotiations between Xavi and Barcelona now and we wish him success where he goes."

Football website Goal reported the quotes from before the match between Al-Sadd and Al-Rayaan, in their Qatar Cup semi-final game.

Xavi is currently the manager of Al Sadd but has been linked with a return to Barcelona as pressure on current manager Ernesto Valverde mounts.

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Speaking after the match. Xavi confirmed that he had met with sporting director and former team-mate Eric Abidal, although insisted no offer had been made.

"There is no offer from Barça," he said. "I met up with Eric Abidal as he is a friend of mine and as a mark of respect for Barcelona and Ernesto Valverde, there's nothing I can say about the club.

"Everyone knows that coaching Barça is a dream, but at present I'm the Al Sadd head coach and that is my main focus at present."

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