Several weeks of controversy at Barcelona have finally lapsed and Ronald Koeman has been most recently confirmed as the manager for the 2020/21 season by Joan Laporta in a press conference held at the club offices this week. In explaining the decision, the president said, “Koeman has already made a tremendous effort. He is the coach we want for the Barça first team.”
This, unfortunately for the Barca fans still largely resentful of the Dutchman’s presence at Camp Nou, stems from the unavailability of any other coach that meets Barcelona’s needs at present. The one name that has cropped up constantly is that of Xavi’s as the Barcelona legend and current Al Said coach has been offered the job more than once but has repeatedly declined the offers, much to the dismay of his fans.
Explaining his decision in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the Spaniard said, “I’m not in a rush to manage Barça. It is true that I said no to the possibility two times already, but I don’t feel ready just yet. It was not the moment, for many reasons. Right now, I am happy at Al Sadd.”
In addition, he was also given the opportunity to work with the Brazilian national team, as was confirmed by the head coach, Tite.
Xavi’s declining the offer to coach Barça comes as a surprise to all, given his celebrated history at the Blaugrana. The Barcelona legend himself feels the same, and said, “Saying no is the most difficult decision I had to take, because I am a Culé at heart. But I don’t think that it was the aropriate moment to do so.”
Qatar is set to hold the World Cup in 2022, and has a long-term project planned for their football team, starting from the roots. For Xavi, it presents an opportunity to train players that will represent the national team in the tournament — an opportunity that he has previously described as ‘special’.
He said, “There are other factors which also influenced my decision to not take over at Barça. The Qatar World Cup for example, one in which I will be a big part of. If the club called me again, the process would be the same. I would take some time to consider and take a decision.”
So now it appears Ronald Koeman will certainly reach the end of his contract, that ends in 2022. After that, many Barca diehards would be hoping for the timely change in Barcelona’s coaching scenario, especially if Barça fail to lift any major silverware through the season.
Credit: Football Tribe Malaysia
