BARCELONA legend Xavi has left only Liverpool off a list of Premier League giants he would like to manage.
And the Spanish World Cup winner, boss of Qatari side Al Sadd after retiring as a player in 2019, rates Manchester City chief Pep Guardiola as the world’s “best coach”.
Nou Camp midfield legend Xavi wants to boss a top European club once he has learnt his trade with Al SaddCredit: Getty – Contributor
Xavi was part of a golden generation even for Barcelona standards – alongside Lionel Messi and under Pep GuardiolaCredit: EPA
Xavi, 40, dreams of managing old club Barca but hailed the Prem’s “atmosphere, packed stadiums” and players as an exciting alternative.
The ex-midfielder told Sky Sports: “Obviously if I had to choose, I would choose a big team, 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.”
The 133-cap icon said of his former Nou Camp chief: “Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the world and I am a novice.
‘PASSIONATE, OBSESSIVE’
“The comparison happened as a player but now we can’t be compared. I am in love with Pep Guardiola’s football.
“You can win playing football in different ways but I like the one of City and Guardiola the most. I follow the Premier League a lot and I like it.
“He is a brilliant, demanding, passionate, obsessive person, that’s why he’s doing so well.
“It transmits a lot to the footballer. I learned a lot and enjoyed my time at his side.”
Xavi won four Champions League titles and La Liga eight times with Barca.
And he readily admits the Spanish giants would be his first choice once he has served his managerial apprenticeship.
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.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
