Xavi begs Al Sadd to let him join Barcelona

FT Desk

• 3 Nov 2021 22:50 GMT
• 3 min read

Al Sadd manager Xavi has pleaded with his current club to let him join Barcelona.

Xavi had seemed almost certain to succeed the recently sacked Ronald Koeman as manager of the Blaugrana, with the Spanish media expected the deal to become official this week.

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

However, Al Sadd then announced on Twitter on Wednesday 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."

But Xavi has now pleaded with his club to let him return to Barcelona, where he enjoyed a glittering career as a midfielder.

What did Xavi say about Barcelona?

"I've been talking to Barca for days, it's done," Xavi said after Al-Sadd’s 3-3 draw with Al-Duhail 3-3 on Wednesday.

"But now it depends on the conversations between clubs, they need to reach an agreement. Barca is coming to talk, we are all eager and excited. We'll see if it ends up being done.

"I really want to go home. I hope it happens. I have a contract and now the clubs have to negotiate. They already know my position."

Koeman was sacked as Barcelona boss last week after a disastrous start to the season that currently sees the Catalans languishing in ninth position in La Liga.

Former Barcelona left back Sergi Barjuan is filling in as caretaker boss until a permanent coach is announced.