Despite being heavily linked with a return to Barcelona this month, Xavi says he actually turned down the offer to manage his former club last week as he felt that the opportunity came a bit too early in his career.
That explain the reason why Barcelona decided to appoint former Real Betis manager, Quique Setien.
As expected, Barcelona chief executive Oscar Grau and sporting director Eric Abidal offered Xavi the manager’s job before Ernesto Valverde was sacked on Monday.
But Xavi only recently became the manager of Al-Sadd since hanging up his boots few months ago.
“I did not agree to this offer, especially as it is too early for me to coach Barcelona,” Xavi said.
“But it will still be my dream to coach the team in the future.”
However, Xavi quickly lauded the appointment of Setien as new Barca manager.
“I love the way he works and I expect him to succeed with the team.”