Barcelona legend is in no rush to return home – but it’s seems inevitable

Whenever Barcelona are in trouble – they turn to the people who have made them great. When Quique Setien’s ill-fated managerial spell at Camp Now had gone awry, the Catalans turned to Ronald Koeman, the man who starred for the club as a player.

But as soon as Koeman’s team began to falter, the supporters and journalists asked about the whereabouts of their legend icon Xavi Hernandez. The legendary Barcelona captain lifted many trophies in a blue and red shirt and is on the road to becoming a respected coach with Al Sadd in Qatar.

And although Ronald Koeman’s job is safe despite his team only managing a third-place finish – it seems like it’s only a matter of time when Xavi will return home. He admits that he’s eyeing the Barcelona job and an opportunity to coach superstar captain Lionel Messi, insisting he is ready to work at Camp Nou.

Xavi signed a new contract with Al Sadd in May, tying the 41-year-old to the Qatari side until 2023. But Xavi, who held the record for most Barcelona appearances before it was broken by Messi this past season, has his sights set on taking charge at some stage.

"I am always on the market. The club decided to continue with Koeman and I wish him the best. In these last four months, I have not had any contact with president Joan Laporta or anyone from the board. I don't know when the moment will arrive but, for me, it would be a dream to return to Barca one day. I'm in no rush, honestly, but I hope it happens. I understand people may think I am not ready, but I want to make it clear that I am. I know the club, the environment... I am coaching at a professional level, not kids, and I feel prepared. People also criticised Pep Guardiola and Zinedine] Zidane before they took charge at Barcelona and Real Madrid. But Koeman's the coach now and you have to respect that. I don't want there to be a permanent debate about that."

Xavi played alongside the likes of Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets at Barca, where he won eight La Liga trophies and four Champions League titles among other honours.

"For me, it would be an advantage to work with them. I'm in a situation at Al Sadd where I am coaching players I played with and I think it helps because you know them. What coach wouldn't want to train Messi? Who wouldn't want a joker up their sleeve like Leo, who can make the difference in 0.1 seconds? Physically he is still in good shape. He is still the best. It would be a huge privilege to coach Messi."

Xavi has guided Al Sadd to Qatar Stars League, two Qatar Cups, Qatari Super Cup, Emir of Qatar Cup and Qatari Stars Cup success since becoming their coach in 2019. It’s an encouraging start to any managerial career, but you cannot help but wonder will he be able to emulate that kind of success at Camp Nou.

Because, it’s not a question of if Xavi will coach Barcelona – but when he will do it.