La Liga: Joan Laporta Says He Wants Xavi Hernandez As Barcelona Coach During His Presidency
NDTV
La Liga: According to reports, Xavi Hernandez' first game as Barcelona coach could be away to Celta Vigo.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta said on Friday he has received glowing reports about Xavi Hernandez's credentials as coach and admitted he would like to have him as Barca coach during his presidency. But Laporta refused to confirm Xavi will succeed Ronald Koeman, who was sacked on Wednesday night, and maintained Barca have "other options". Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said he has "no doubt" that Xavi is ready to coach the club. Laporta's enthusiastic assessment of Barca's legendary former midfielder will be taken as a strong indication that he is the preferred replacement for Koeman.
After a glittering career at Camp Nou, Xavi left in 2015 to play for Al Sadd in Qatar before becoming coach of the team two years ago.
"I said it when he went to Qatar, that Xavi would end up being the coach of Barca, in fact I would like him to be coach of Barca during my presidency -- what I don't know is when," said Laporta in a press conference on Friday.
"It is true the reports we have about him are very good. I have not followed Al Sadd, but we have talked about Barca games on the phone. We have watched games together almost.
"Let me say no more. For all the talk of Xavi there are also other options. Barca have other options."
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