Sports

My goal is to manage Barcelona or big club in EPL – Xavi

Published

September 23, 2019

Barcelona and Spain legendary midfielder Xavi has said his ultimate goal as a football coach is to return to Camp Nou as manager but is also keen to manage in the English Premier League.

Xavi made over 700 appearances for his boyhood club Barcelona and is the third most-capped Spanish international footballer, playing 133 times for his country.

He ended his incredible playing career five months ago to take his first steps into management with Al Sadd in Qatar, the club he spent his final four years with as a player.

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Despite being at the starter stage of his managerial career, Xavi admits the ultimate goal is to return to manage Barcelona.

He said:

“I don’t hide it, my goal is to return to Europe and return to Barca, it is my challenge ahead, but I’m still learning in this project and I’m also enjoying it.

“My idea, which also happened to me as a footballer, is to be in Barcelona.

“Training this type of team would be a privilege and the greatest privilege for me would be to return to Barca.“

Although a return to the Catalan club is the target, Xavi has not ruled out a managerial role in the Premier League should an opportunity arise.

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He added:

“That is my goal, but obviously, who doesn’t like the Premier League? The football atmosphere, the packed stadiums and the people who play in the Premier League say it’s extraordinary.

“Obviously if I had to choose, I would choose a big team, [Manchester] City or United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Tottenham.

“Also, [Jurgen] Klopp and [Mauricio] Pochettino and Unai Emery, many people who have gone there are doing an extraordinary job.”