Barcelona legend Xavi has rejected a job offer from the Brazil national team amid continuing rumours that he could return to the Nou Camp as manager.
The former midfielder became a fan-favourite at the Catalan club and was a key part of the side which reached the top of the game under Pep Guardiola.
The Spaniard won eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues before leaving the club for Qatari Stars League side Al Sadd in 2015 where he won another league title.
He also starred for the Spanish national team during his time at Barcelona, winning the World Cup and two European Championships.
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Upon his retirement from playing in the summer of 2019, Xavi took over from Jesualdo Ferreira as manager of Al Sadd.
The Spaniard has impressed with the style of play he has implemented on the Qatari club, winning a league title as well as two Qatar Cups.
That success in his first management role drew admiring eyes from his former club Barca, with several presidential candidates stating they would bring him back if they were elected.
But it was Joan Laporta who emerged victorious from the election earlier this year, with Xavi also signing a new contract to stay at Al Sadd until 2023.
That has not stopped the rumours linking him with the Camp Nou job though, after Ronald Koeman oversaw what was ultimately a disappointing season.
Koeman’s side finished third in La Liga, seven points adrift of champions Atletico Madrid, and were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain at the last 16 stage.
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That led to reports that Koeman’s job was under threat, with Xavi the obvious candidate to replace him in the Camp Nou dugout.
Though Barca announced this week that Koeman would be staying as manager into next season, Xavi continues to be linked with the job.
It appears that the 41-year-old is continuing to keep a path to the Barca job clear, with ESPN Brasil reporting he has turned down a role with the Brazilian national team.
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Current Seleção head coach Tite has confirmed that Xavi did indeed turn down a role as one of his assistant coaches.
Tite is searching for a replacement for Sylvinho, who has joined Corinthians as manager, with Muricy Ramalho also turning down the position.
“About Xavi, it’s true. Muricy too,” Tite said, without giving details about their negotiations or positions.
It had previously been reported by AS that Xavi would serve as Tite’s “right-hand man” during the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup and in the tournament itself if Brazil qualified.
The Spanish newspaper also stated that following that World Cup, Xavi would take over from Tite as Brazil head coach.
It appears though that the offer to take on one of world football’s top national team roles was not enough to tempt Xavi away from Qatar.
And with rumours that Koeman’s job is not totally secure, turning down the Brazil role will keep the Spaniard in the frame to replace him.
