Xavi interested in coaching for Qatar!

Rumana Shaikh

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4By Asad Bisati

Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons

The Barcelona midfielder maestro and Spanish legend, Xavi Hernandez has expressed his desire to coach the Qatar National Football Team ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and make them the powerhouse in the region that they can be.

The Al Sadd midfielder reportedly said that he will be retiring at the end of the season.

Xavi has earned great respect in the region and aims to replicate his success on the pitch. His desire for coaching is no secret, and he has expressed it on numerous occasions. However, considering his latest revelations, many in the footballing world would have wanted him as a coach in his native country Spain. He, however, seems determined on coaching in Qatar.

He has stated that we would want to replicate Barcelona’s playing style of Barcelona on the Qatar national side, and believes in the potential of the players and the staff. He believes the style can be emulated in Qatar as he thinks the players have great potential and can succeed at the highest levels.

Xavi has been a cornerstone in the development of the Al Sadd club, leading them towards many major titles during his stint. He's still a football genius and mesmerizes fans who come to watch him play.

A Barcelona legend, Xavi’s inclusion in Qatar’s football coaching department would be a bold choice. Although he has expressed his enthusiasm for coaching the national team, said he would want to start with the younger age group before taking the leap to the senior side.

Xavi understands the players, the region, the style and tradition of football. A quick transition for him is likely on the cards. The locals love him and many across the world worship his game.

He was quoted as saying when asked about his intentions about coaching the Qatar National Team, "Why not? I think it would be nice to be a coach here for the national team, We will see. I need experience, I need staff, I need everything but at least I know the Qatari players. I know the environment here. I am here to help them to be better, to compete well at this World Cup. I think my aim is to be the head coach."

In another interview he reiterated his aims of making Qatar play like Barcelona. "I think that we must follow this legacy of Johann Cruyff, of Van Rijkaard, Van Gaal, Pep Guardiola, not only in Barcelona but also in the world of football. Everybody enjoyed our style, in Barcelona and the national team. I think we have to follow this way," he said.

Here are some numbers that undoubtedly make Xavi one of the greatest Spanish players in history.

CAREER

Seasons at the Club: 1998-2015

Matches played: 869

Goals: 97

HONOURS

2 FIFA Club World Cups (2009/10 and 2011/12)

4 Champions League (2005/06, 2008/09, 2010/11 and 2014/15)

2 European Supercups (2009/10 i 2011/12)

8 Leagues (1998/99, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2012/13 and 2014/15)

3 Copas del Rey (2008/09, 2011/12 and 2014/15)

6 Spanish Supercups (2005/06, 2006/07, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2013/14)