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\u00a0held at the club offices this week. In explaining the decision, the president said,\u00a0\u201cKoeman has already made a tremendous effort. He is the coach we want for the Bar\u00e7a first team.\u201d<\/p>\n
This, unfortunately for the Barca fans still largely resentful of the Dutchman\u2019s presence at Camp Nou, stems from the unavailability of any other coach that meets Barcelona\u2019s needs at present. The one name that has cropped up constantly is that of Xavi\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Explaining his decision in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the Spaniard said,\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m not in a rush to manage Bar\u00e7a. It is true that I said no to the possibility two times already, but I don\u2019t feel ready just yet. It was not the moment, for many reasons. Right now, I am happy at Al Sadd.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition, he was also given the opportunity to work with the Brazilian national team, as was confirmed by the head coach, Tite.<\/p>\n
Xavi\u2019s declining the offer to coach Bar\u00e7a comes as a surprise to all, given his celebrated history at the Blaugrana. The Barcelona legend himself feels the same, and said, \u201cSaying no is the most difficult decision I had to take, because I am a Cul\u00e9 at heart. But I don\u2019t think that it was the aropriate moment to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u00a0\u2014 an opportunity that he has previously described as \u2018special\u2019.<\/p>\n
He said,\u00a0\u201cThere are other factors which also influenced my decision to not take over at Bar\u00e7a. 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s coaching scenario, especially if Bar\u00e7a fail to lift any major silverware through the season.<\/p>\n
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