BARCELONA have been dealt a blow with the news former midfielder Xavi is to remain in Qatar.
The Spanish ace manages Qatari club Al-Sadd and has signed an extension to his deal which will see him stay until 2021.
Xavi is now a manager in Qatar
Reports had previously linked the former Catalan giant with a return to the Nou Camp to takeover from underfire Quique Setien.
It was previously reported the legendary player had agreed a £5.4million a year deal to take the hot seat in Catalonia.
It was believed that Lionel Messi and Co had rubber-stamped the 40-year-old’s return in what would be a sensational move.
Messi is even believed to be tempted to STAY at the club if his old pal Xavi takes the reins.
Barcelona trail Real Madrid in the La Liga title race and rumours of a rift in the camp are rife.
Setien only replaced Ernesto Valverde as Barca boss in January but pressure is mounting on the 61-year-old.
The report stated Xavi had a “firm agreement” to take charge of the Blaugrana at the end of the season.
But it appears the move will be at the least delayed after news of his extended contract broke.
Xavi has been in charge of Al-Sadd since the start of the 2019-20 season, leading them to the Super Cup and Qatar Cup titles.
He previously admitted he hoped to lead Barca in the future and, on a video conference, said: “The biggest hope I have now is to be Barca coach and get Barca back to winning ways.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
