AL SADD boss Xavi masterminded a goal straight from the Pep Guardiola playbook in his side’s 4-1 win over Al-Gharafa.
The 40-year-old – who took charge of the Qatar Stars League side in 2019 having spent four seasons there as a player – is thriving in his first managerial role.
Xavi’s Al Sadd scored a beautiful goal reminiscent of Barcelona under Pep Guardiola
Al Sadd have starred under Xavi this season as they sit top of the Qatar Stars League
After guiding his team to a third-placed finish last season, unbeaten Al Sadd currently sit top of the table having won eight of their opening nine fixtures.
And it should come as no surprise that Barcelona were keen on hiring him in the summer having seen how his team seamlessly transition from defence to attack.
In an almost replica goal from Xavi’s playing days at the Nou Camp under Guardiola, Al Sadd carved open Al-Gharafa in their recent fixture with an exquisite final goal.
Baghdad Bounedjah capped off a stunning move following a number of one-touch passes from his team-mates.
Despite the quality in Qatar not the same level as any of the major leagues in Europe, Xavi has already proven his merit in managing.
Though he failed to win the league last term, he managed to guide Al Sadd to three domestic trophies.
In nine games this season, Al Sadd have scored a whopping 35 goals and have conceded just eight times with his players buying into his philosophy.
Al Sadd star Baghdad Bounedjah capped off the beautiful free-flowing move
Xavi has been continuously linked with a move back to BarcelonaCredit: AFP or licensors
His success will be to the delight of the Barcelona board who are understood to remain keen on bringing him back to Catalonia.
He has even been tipped to be ‘the Sir Alex Ferguson’ of Barcelona.
Bluagrana gaffer Ronald Koeman is under huge pressure following Barca’s dreadful start in LaLiga.
Barcelona sit in eighth spot after 11 games played – nine points behind leaders Real Sociedad.
Frenkie de Jong shows off his shooting skills in Barcelona training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
