Al Sadd refuse to let Xavi join Barcelona

FT Desk

• 3 Nov 2021 18:55 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona’s managerial situation has been plunged into uncertainty as Al Sadd are refusing to allow their coach Xavi to leave the club.

Xavi, who is presently in charge of Al Sadd in Qatar, is the strong favourite to take over the reins at Camp Nou following the sacking of Ronald Koeman last week

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The appointment of Xavi at Barca was believed to be a formality after Joan Laporta confirmed his intention to bring back the former midfield legend.

“My opinion of Xavi as a coach is that he is fine, he is in an interesting process," Laporta said.

"I have very good references, I speak with him very often and I know his opinion about the team, but they are confidential conversations between friends.

"We appreciate each other and my opinion of him is very good. I have always said that one day he would coach Barca. I trust the people around me. We will see how everything evolves."

Reports over the last few days have suggested that Xavi would be officially confirmed as Barcelona manager this week.

Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste and director of football Mateu Alemany travelled to Doha on Wednesday for talks with Al Sadd about releasing Xavi.

What did Al Sadd say about Xavi?

However, Al Sadd have since announced on Twitter that they have no intention to release their coach.

Al Sadd CEO Turki Al-Ali said: “We welcome the visit of the administrative delegation from Barcelona, and we appreciate and respect this.

"The club's position has been clear from the beginning - we are committed to keeping Xavi with us and we cannot have him leave at this sensitive time of the season."

It remains to be seen how negotiations develop from here but it will certainly be another embarrassing episode for Barcelona if they are unable to appoint Xavi.

Sergi Barjuan is currently filling in as interim coach following the sacking of Koeman and oversaw the 1-0 win over Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Blaugrana are in ninth position in La Liga.