Former FC Barcelona manager and club icon Xavi Hernandez has reportedly landed in Doha to negotiate the managerial position with the Qatar national football team, as highlighted in a recent report by Al Raya and covered by SPORT, both of which cite unnamed sources.
According to the local publication, Xavi’s presence in Qatar stems from dissatisfaction within the sports management team of the 2022 World Cup hosts regarding the current performance of coach Tintin Marquez, prompting them to seek a new direction from the sidelines.
In Qatar, Xavi is regarded with great respect, due in part to his six-year stint following his initial departure from Barcelona in 2015. That year, he captained the Catalans to a treble, securing their most recent Champions League title, before continuing his playing career at Al-Sadd. Xavi later transitioned to coaching after retiring from professional play.
During his time with Al-Sadd, he wrapped up an impressive seven titles before returning to FC Barcelona in late 2021, after the club parted ways with another legendary midfielder, Ronald Koeman.
His tenure at the helm of Barca has experienced a blend of success. While he led the team to a La Liga and Spanish Super Cup double in the 2022-2023 season, the previous campaign saw a frustrating trophyless finish.
Despite this, Barcelona President Joan Laporta appeared unfazed, persuading Xavi to extend his contract until June 30, 2025, even after the club’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of PSG and their concession of the league title to arch-rivals Real Madrid following a Clasico defeat.
However, after Xavi addressed Barca’s financial struggles and their impact on competing with Los Blancos in a press conference, he was unceremoniously dismissed in May and has remained without a managerial role since then.
After nearly three taxing years managing at Camp Nou and Montjuic, Xavi indicated a desire for a break from the game, having reportedly turned down the opportunity to coach Roma when the position opened up earlier this season.
It now remains to be seen whether Al Raya’s claims hold any weight and if Xavi can be persuaded to shorten his hiatus from football.
