Xavi Hernandez, the Barcelona legend who conquered La Liga as manager, has dropped a shock on his potential coaching return.
Xavi, the 45-year-old Barcelona legend, remains on the sidelines 17 months after his 2024 Camp Nou exit, prioritizing a project that aligns with his possession-based philosophy over hasty returns.
The former midfielder, who lifted the 2022-23 La Liga title with the Blaugrana and transformed Al Sadd in Qatar, has turned down multiple high-profile approaches, including Manchester United, Ajax, and Saudi giants Al-Ittihad.
His measured stance reflects financial security and a commitment to long-term vision, with regular staff meetings focused on game models and potential fits.
The latest rejection came from Russian Premier League side Spartak Moscow, who eyed Xavi to spearhead a rebuild under sporting director Francis Cagigao.
According to Goal, the proposal failed to convince the Spaniard, who deemed the project’s direction insufficiently compelling amid Spartak’s early-season struggles—four points from four games and pressure on coach Dejan Stankovic.
The club now pivots to Spaniard Luis Garcia as Stankovic’s likely successor. Xavi’s dismissal underscores his aversion to “chaos,” favoring autonomy and structure over short-term fixes.
Sources close to Xavi emphasize patience: “The priority is the right footballing project, not money.”
Al-Ittihad’s lucrative September bid was swiftly rebuffed post-Laurent Blanc’s sacking, while a bizarre link to India’s national team fizzled over budget issues.
Xavi’s global demand persists—European instability could resurface his name by winter—but he seeks a club mirroring his DNA of control, positional play, and development.
For now, Xavi recharges with family, refining tactics away from the spotlight.
His rejections affirm ambition: building legacies, not patching cracks.
As benches wobble worldwide, the Barcelona icon awaits the perfect canvas to paint his next masterpiece.
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