But the Al-Sadd manager rejected a two-and-a-half-year deal and the Blaugrana quickly turned their attention to Quique Setien.

“Yes, I received an offer from Barcelona in a meeting with Eric Abidal and Oscar Grau but I did not accept it, especially because it is too early to train Barcelona but it will remain my dream in the future to be a Barca coach,” Xavi told Mundo Deportivo.

“First I told my family and then the Al Sadd players because they followed the issue.

“For three days I was not in my best position but now I am totally focused on Al Sadd.”

Xavi is an icon with the Catalan giants, having made more appearances for the club than anyone and won 25 trophies in a 17-year spell in the first team.

Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge said he understands why Xavi opted against taking the job at this point:

The potential transition to Xavi in the last few days was kinda sad. Here is the club icon being pushed into a situation he clearly wanted no part of it. It’s his dream job, EVERY condition has to be right.

Quique Setién is a good guy, a good coach. He’ll make the season worth savouring at least. Keeping Valverde around only increased the toxicity there. The players will enjoy their football again, the fans will too. What comes after, well…we’ll see.