Xavi says he wants ‘to go back home’ but Al Sadd insist they can’t let him leave

Xavi says he wants to “go back home” to be Barcelona manager and hopes an agreement can be reached with Al Sadd.

The Qatari club have previously said their boss will not be allowed to leave at “this sensitive time of the season”

Barca officials are in Doha for talks and 41-year-old Xavi is the favourite to replace the sacked Ronald Koeman.

“I have been talking to Barca for days, it’s all set. The clubs know my position and I hope it gets resolved soon,” said the ex-Barca midfielder.

“The clubs are talking. I can’t say much but I’m a positive person. It’s about common sense. They need to reach an agreement. That’s the issue.”

“I wish I go back home. Going back to Barcelona would be spectacular and exciting.”

Spain legend Xavi played 779 games and won 25 major honours for Barca between 1998 and 2015 before spending the last four years of his career with Al Sadd.

He took over there as head coach after retiring in 2019 and led them to last season’s league title. They are currently unbeaten in 36 league games.

Earlier, Al Sadd chief executive Turki Al-Ali said: “The club’s position is clear from the beginning – we are committed to keeping Xavi with us.

“We cannot have him leave at this sensitive time of the season.”

Barcelona are ninth in La Liga after winning four of their opening 11 games, leaving them nine points adrift of leaders Real Sociedad.

Sergi Barjuan is currently in caretaker charge of Barca.