Xavi’s curious story from Indian media

A curious story has appeared in the Indian media. Manolo Márquez resigned from his position as national team coach this summer. Xavi, who was combining the role with his position as coach of Goa, left to dedicate himself exclusively to his club this season, with whom he is set to play in the Asian Champions League qualifiers in August.

Following the resignation, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) began a casting process to appoint a new national coach and even published an advertisement. Among those interested were Stephen Constantine, a former India coach and ex-Liverpool player; Harry Kewell; and former Blackburn Rovers coach Steve Kean, as well as other coaches who have developed part of their careers in the country. The curious aspect of the case is that, according to the AIFF’s technical director, Subrata Paul, Xavi Hernández had also shown interest in taking up the position. Paul himself states that the AIFF did not consider the Terrassa native because they were aware he would ask for a salary they couldn’t afford.

However, according to sources consulted by this newspaper, this offer never happened, and they believe that the AIFF used Xavi’s name to give more gravitas to the national team coach position in their search for a new manager.

Xavi has not coached since leaving the Barcelona bench at the end of the 2023-24 season. The Terrassa native has received various offers, but he wanted to rest for a year and not rush his decision. He is waiting for a coaching role, and his intention is none other than to continue managing a European team in one of the continent’s major leagues.