Xavi Hernandez has admitted he could have been Barcelona coach. “Yes, I received an offer from Barcelona when Abidal and Oscar Grau were here but I didn't accept it, especially because it’s too soon to coach Barcelona. But let nobody doubt that it’s my dream in the future to coach Barca.”

The former Barca legend admitted that he met Abidal and Grau on three occasions before deciding to let the train pass. It is forecast he’ll stay at Al Sadd until his contract expires in June 2020.

He congratulated Quique Setien on the appointment. “I love Setien, his way way of working, and I hope he has success with Barcelona.”