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Tag: Xavi

  • La Liga formally approve Barca appointment of Xavi

    La Liga formally approve Barca appointment of Xavi

    LaLiga has formally approved the appointment of Xavi as Barcelona coach.

    LaLiga’s Department of Financial control have on Monday given the green light to Barcelona’s appointment of Xavi as the club’s new coach, COPE have revealed.

    The payment of €5 million to Al Sadd to release Xavi from his contract complies with all the requisites demanded by the Spanish league, the information adds.

    The clause was paid by Xavi and Barça, as confirmed by president Joan Laporta, although he did not reveal the percentages paid by each party.

    Xavi’s registration as Barça’s new coach will not be official in the coming hours and he will occupy the place vacated by Sergi Barjuan, who took over following Ronald Koeman’s dismissal.

    Xavi’s first game on the bench will be the Catalan derby against RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou this weekend in LaLiga.

  • Barca coach Xavi eyeing Chelsea midfielder

    Barca coach Xavi eyeing Chelsea midfielder

    Barcelona are eyeing Chelsea midfielder Saul Niguez.

    The Spain international is on-loan at Chelsea this season from Atletico Madrid. However, his commitment to the deal has come into question after failing to secure a regular start under manager Thomas Tuchel.

    El Chiringuito says Barca, where new coach Xavi has just been installed, is interested in Saul for January.

    The Catalans could seek to take over Saul’s loan from Chelsea over the New Year.

    The stumbling block, though, could be Atleti’s board, which may be reluctant to strengthen a direct rival midseason.

  • La Liga: I’ve chatted with Xavi – Coutinho

    La Liga: I’ve chatted with Xavi – Coutinho

    Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho says he’s spoken to new coach Xavi.

    Coutinho is currently in Brazil with the national team squad.

    Asked about his new coach, the midfielder said: “Xavi was a great player and he is an idol of the club, who is back with us.

    “I hope he will have great success with the group we have. We had a chat and I know he’s a great guy.

    “I’m sure he will do a good job in Barcelona.”

  • La Liga: Xavi puts three Barca players up for sale

    La Liga: Xavi puts three Barca players up for sale

    New Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez, is reportedly set to get rid of three players in the January transfer window.

    Xavi was appointed as Barcelona’s new manager last Friday following the sacking of Ronald Koeman last month.

    The former midfield maestro was unveiled by Barcelona on Monday at Camp Nou.

    The 2010 World Cup winner signed a two-and-half-year deal with Barcelona after saying his goodbyes to Qatari side, Al-Sadd.

    According to Fichajes, the three players Xavi wants Barcelona to offload are Samuel Umtiti, Luuk de Jong and Neto, as he looks to bolster his squad.

    The report added Xavi has communicated his plans to sell the trio to Barcelona president Joan Laporta, hoping that their sales would create room on the wage bill to bring in a few players of his liking.

    Umtiti has been pretty much out of favour since last season, De Jong was Koeman’s signing and has struggled to contribute so far in his tenure at Barcelona, while Neto has no chance of usurping goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen at Camp Nou.

    Meanwhile, Xavi will now hope to lead Barcelona to victory when they take on Espanyol on November 20 after the international break.

  • Xavi must be his own man at Barca – Guardiola

    Xavi must be his own man at Barca – Guardiola

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says new Barcelona coach Xavi needs to be his own man.

    Although Xavi was full of praise for his former coach during his introductory press conference, Guardiola isn’t keen on comparisons between the two.

    “I wasn’t the heir to anybody and Xavi doesn’t have to be my heir,” Guardiola said at a charity golf tournament, held to raise funds for Juan Carlos Unzue’s fight against ALS.

    “If Joan Laporta and the board have chosen Xavi then it’s because there are millions of pros and few cons.

    “He knows the club and will bring positive energy, given how he enjoys football and because of his dedication. He always sees the positive side of things.

    “With his class, dedication and effort, I’m sure he’ll improve the club’s situation.”

  • New Barca coach Xavi reveals Messi ‘good luck’ message

    New Barca coach Xavi reveals Messi ‘good luck’ message

    Xavi Hernández has revealed what Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi told him following his appointment as Barcelona’s new manager last Friday.

    Xavi was appointed as Barcelona’s new manager three days ago following the sacking of Ronald Koeman last month.

    The Spaniard was unveiled by Barcelona on Monday at Camp Nou.

    Speaking at his unveiling, Xavi said Messi, his former teammate, texted him and wished him the best of luck as Barcelona manager.

    “Leo Messi texted me to wish me the best of luck,” Xavi said.

    He added, “He’s incredible, but he’s not here as Eto’o or Ronaldinho… we have to think about the future, not about players who are no longer here at Barça.”

    Xavi will now hope to lead Barcelona to victory when they take on Espanyol on November 20 after the international break.

    The former midfield maestro signed a two-and-half-year deal with Barcelona after saying his goodbyes to Qatari side, Al-Sadd.

  • Barca appoints Xavi as new head coach

    Barca appoints Xavi as new head coach

    La Liga club Barcelona has named Xavi as their new permanent head coach following the sacking of Ronald Koeman.

    Koeman’s 14-month reign came to an end following Barca’s 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano on October 27, with the Dutch boss failing to convince.

    Barca have now turned to another club legend in an effort to steady their ship, with World Cup winner Xavi leaving Qatar-based club Al Sadd and joining Barca on a deal through the 2023-24 season.

    “FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with Xavi Hernandez for him to become first team coach for the rest of the current season and two more seasons,” a Barcelona statement said.

    “Xavi Hernandez, a youth team product at Barca, has left his current club, Al Sadd of Qatar, after talks held over the last few days with the owners of the club.

    “It is expected that Xavi Hernandez will arrive in Barcelona this weekend and that on Monday 8 November his presentation as new FC Barcelona first team coach will take place in an event open to the public at Camp Nou.

    “After the event Xavi Hernandez will appear in a press conference in the Ricard Maxenchs press room.”

  • REVEALED: Xavi’s three demands in Barca deal, includes Raheem Sterling

    REVEALED: Xavi’s three demands in Barca deal, includes Raheem Sterling

    Xavi will return to Barcelona with three demands he insist be met.

    After several days of negotiations over a release from his contract, the Qataris have confirmed Xavi is now leaving to return to the Nou Camp and replace sacked coach Ronald Koeman.

    Sport says during talks with Barca officials, Xavi pushed for agreement over three points.

    First of all, he wants the club’s medical services to be restructured.

    Then, he wants to take with him seven members of his current staff. This would be his two assistants, Oscar Hernandez, who is also his brother, and Sergio Alegre, but also Ivan Torres, physical trainer, and Carlos Nogueira, physiotherapist. David Prats, Toni Lobo and Sergio Garcia, all recruiters, would also follow Xavi.

    Finally, he wants the recruitment of a winger in January. If he is confident about the return of Ousmane Dembélé, who is injured again, he wants an additional player for the position.

    Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling is under consideration.

  • Xavi makes Barca confession to Al Duhail player

    Xavi makes Barca confession to Al Duhail player

    Al Sadd coach Xavi has admitted he doesn’t know if he’ll be taking the Barcelona job.

    Xavi was in charge of Al Sadd for yesterday’s 3-3 draw with Al Duhail as Barca directors Rafa Yuste and Mateu Alemany touched down in Doha in the morning.

    After the game, Al Duhail’s Assim Omer Al Haj Madibo asked Xavi for an update on the Barca negotiations.

    “Are you leaving for Barcelona?” he asked Xavi.

    “I don’t know,” replied Xavi.

  • Barca chiefs in Doha for Xavi deal

    Barca chiefs in Doha for Xavi deal

    La Liga giant Barcelona expect to secure the signing of new coach Xavi today.

    Sport says Barca directors Rafa Yuste and Mateu Alemany are in Doha and currently in talks with Al Sadd president Mohammed bin Hamad.

    Xavi will lead Al Sadd against Al Duhail on Thursday and then put pen to paper on a deal with Barca.

    The former Barca captain will sign a contract to the end of the season, with a further two years included. It’s also suggested Al Sadd will release Xavi without any demand of compensation.

    Xavi is expected in Barcelona on the weekend, though caretaker coach Sergi Barjuan will remain in charge for the clash with Celta Vigo.