Xavi Hernandez became the face of Al Sadd since he joined the club in 2015 as a player. The Barcelona legend bagged many trophies with Qatar’s football giants as a captain before guiding them to titles as a manager.
The Spaniard is no more associated with the reigning Amir Cup and the QNB Stars League (QSL) champions as he takes over as manager of FC Barcelona, where he played for 17 years, making 767 appearances and winning 25 trophies, including four Champions League wins and eight league titles.
Barcelona in the post-Lionel Messi era have been struggling and are ninth in La Liga after winning only four of their opening 11 games, leaving them nine points adrift of leaders Real Sociedad. After the sacking of manager Ronald Koeman last month, the Barcelona management was desperate to bring back Xavi at Camp Nou as a manager.
Initially, Al Sadd were reluctant to let Xavi go because Qatar’s football season is in crucial stage but later agreed to Barca’s request after the Spanish legend showed keen interest in returning to his home club.
Al Sadd, after Xavi’s release clause was met, announced on Friday that the Spaniard is free to leave the Qatari club following six years of brilliance.
The matter was resolved amicably with Al Sadd wishing good luck to the legend. Al Sadd CEO Turki Al Ali said: “Xavi is an important part of Al Sadd’s history and we wish him success. Xavi and his family will remain welcome in Doha, and our relationship will continue.” The 41-year-old is expected to be officially unveiled as Barcelona manager at the Camp Nou on Monday.
Xavi, who took over as Al Sadd manager in 2019, mentored ‘The Wolves’ to seven titles including back-to-back Amir Cup crowns. Al Sadd particularly have been phenomenal in recent times as they are unbeaten in the last 36 QSL games. They also seemed to have mastered the famous tiki-taka style under him.
Al Sadd will miss the Spaniard after his service as player and as a coach but the club that has a rich history of winning trophies will definitely overcome absence of one of the great names in modern football.
‘The Wolves’ are the most formidable side among Qatar’s football clubs and are leading the current QSL season by three points.
There is a break in the QSL and Al Sadd is expected to find Xavi’s replacement during this time. Fans are confident that the record 18-time Amir Cup champions will maintain their fine form and continue winning the major trophies in the post-Xavi era.
