DOHA (Qatar): Former Barcelona and Spain star midfielder Xavi Hernandez said it was “too early” for him to coach the Spanish side.
The Spaniard, who now coaches Qatar Stars League side Al Sadd, confirmed that he had received an offer from his former club but would remain at Sadd.
The 39-year-old said Barcelona’s director of football Eric Abidal made him the offer, before settling on Quique Setien to replace Ernesto Valverde as coach.
“I received an offer from Barcelona in the presence of Eric Abidal… but I did not agree to this offer, especially as it is too early for me to coach Barcelona,” he said in a statement issued by Sadd.
“But it will still be my dream to coach the team in the future.
“I love the new Barcelona coach, I love the way he works, and I expect him to succeed with the team.”
Valverde left Barcelona after his sacking on Monday, closing the page on a brutal few days.
Barcelona confirmed Setien’s appointment following a board meeting that lasted more than four hours on Monday.
Barcelona sit top of La Liga, albeit level on points with Real Madrid, and face Napoli next month in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Afif wins Estad El Doha award for best Qatari player
Qatar international Akram Afif won the Estad El Doha award for best Qatari player for the year 2019.
The award was presented to him by former Qatar star Mubarak Mustafa in the presence of Xavi Hernandez and Afif’s team-mates at the club’s training ground on Thursday.
“I hope this award will bring good luck against Al Duhail in the Qatar Cup final tomorrow,” said Afif, who was adjudged as the AFC Player of the Year last December.
The 23-year-old was in great form last year, which also saw Qatar winning their maiden AFC Asian Cup in the UAE.
