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Xavi reveals he turned down the chance to coach Brazil

New Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has confirmed that he turned down a proposal which would have seen him join the Brazilian national team set-up. The former midfielder was offered the chance, several months ago, to join Tite’s coaching staff until the World Cup next year.

The plan was that Xavi would then take over the reins as head coach, with Tite stepping aside after Qatar 2022. Xavi, however, preferred to remain in Qatar, confident that his beloved Barcelona would come calling.

“It’s true that I spoke with Brazil,” said Xavi at his Barcelona presentation.

“The idea was to help Tite and take over the team after the World Cup.

“My dream was to come to Barcelona. I feel ready, very confident, I feel this is the moment.”

Not many coaches can say they have turned down Brazil, especially after having coached just one club in Qatar, but that is the extent of Xavi’s bond with the Camp Nou.

“I waited until the right moment and I think this is the right moment. I feel I am very well prepared now.”

The 41-year-old, who has signed a contract until June 2024, was hired last week to replace Ronald Koeman, who could not get Barca going this season.

“I am very excited,” Xavi told the fans.

“We are the best club in the world and we will work hard to be successful.

“Barca can’t be satisfied with draws or losses. We have to win every match.

Xavi is now in charge of the club where he spent 17 seasons during his playing career, racking up 767 appearances across that period – a tally only surpassed by Lionel Messi (778).

However, he takes over with the club in ninth place in La Liga, second in their Champions League group, mired in financial difficulties and with a squad shorn of Messi and depleted by injuries.

“We need you,” Xavi told the fans.

“Especially during the bad moments. We are in a difficult situation as a club. We need you more than ever.”

At a subsequent press conference he said he would lean on advice from previous Barcelona coaching greats to help restore the club to former glories.

“Many times I think about advice from the likes of Frank [Rijkaard], [Louis] Van Gaal, [Johann] Cruyff, [Pep] Guardiola, Luis Enrique and my father,” he said.

“Guardiola in particular was a reference for me as a player and a manager. I think he’s the best manager in the world.

“If people want to compare me with him, that’s a positive.”

Manchester City boss Guardiola tipped Xavi to be a managerial success at Barcelona but distanced himself from comparisons with his former teammate and player.

“I wasn’t the heir to anybody and Xavi doesn’t have to be my heir… With his class, dedication and effort, I’m sure he’ll improve the club’s situation,” Guardiola, who was present at the Camp Nou on Monday, said.

Xavi played for Barcelona until 2015, helping them win 25 trophies, including the Champions League four times and La Liga on eight occasions.

He had been at Al-Sadd since leaving Barcelona, first as a player and then as coach for the past two-and-a-half years.

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