The 41-year-old immediately became the favourite for the position once the decision had been made to relieve Ronald Koeman of his duties following a disappointing start to the 2021-22 campaign.
Browsing: Al Sadd
The 41-year-old leaves Qatari side Al Sadd, with whom he won a league title as a player in 2019 before adding another as a manager earlier this year.
On the back of parting ways with Ronald Koeman, the Catalan giants have been attempting to secure a reunion with their legendary midfielder.
Xavi is Barcelona’s number one target to replace Ronald Koeman as head coach, and the Catalan outfit’s vice-president Rafa Yuste and director of football Mateu Alemany have been in Doha for talks with Al-Sadd chiefs.
The Dutch tactician was relieved of his duties on Wednesday night following the 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano.
Spanish media had reported that Xavi, who coaches Qatari club Al Sadd, had been approached by Barca to replace Ernesto Valverde before Quique Setien was appointed in January.
A club source told Reuters on Sunday that Xavi, coach of Qatari club Al Sadd, is focused on Friday’s Cup final against Al Duhail.
The win earned them a place in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals against European champions Liverpool
Liverpool have learned who they will face at the Club World Cup in Qatar in December.
Xavi, 39, made a record 767 appearances for Barca and 133 for Spain in his illustrious playing career before moving to the Qatari club in 2015 ahead of his transition into coaching
Unlike their previous friendly matches, the stake was higher against Al-Sadd, which paraded legendary Spanish star, Raul Gonzalez