'I'll consider offers from June': Xavi opens the door to new opportunities

Spanish coach Xavi Hernandez is putting himself on the market from June onwards. He views this sabbatical year as an opportunity to recharge and approach an exciting and winning project starting next season.
1 week ago
Since closing his chapter at Barcelona, the football world has heard little about Xavi Hernandez. In a recent interview with L'Equipe, the coach admits he is enjoying this phase of disconnection following his turbulent departure from the Catalan capital.
He is taking the time to travel and spend quality moments with his family, but reveals that he intends to return to management from June onwards, whether at a club or a national team. He is not ruling anything out.
During the interview, Xavi took the chance to explain his approach: "I'm honest, direct and simple. I'm naturally, very much into football. We want people to enjoy it. For me, Cruyff's philosophy has had a significant impact. Obviously, the goal is to win, but above all, to help players enjoy and understand the goal of winning.
"My philosophy is attacking, offensive football. I would add that, nowadays, football is a passion. A player without passion will hardly succeed. It's tough for them to be the number one in their position. A player with passion makes the difference."
Xavi on his current life: "Living, enjoying life. I feel like I haven't had any free time, and now I'm enjoying travelling with the kids and my wife. I'm relishing the day-to-day, being a father. Enjoying a football match without the need or tension of the result. I'm happy, I'm content. The expectations will tell us what the football market offers. And yes, I watch a lot of football; it's my greatest passion. I place much more importance on family now, but I'm constantly watching football. I'm happy watching football; I keep up with everything.
"I watch all teams. Though I feel more aligned with Guardiola, Klopp and Arne Slot, they're all different. What's Tottenham doing? What's Newcastle up to? What's Nottingham Forest doing, now up at the top? What's Nuno doing? I'll watch. Or what does De Zerbi do in build-up play? Luis Enrique, is doing something different from last year. And not just the top leagues, but also those in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Portugal," he added.
On his eagerness to return: "Not for now. I feel like I need this season to rest and reset a bit. I needed it. I haven't had a sabbatical year or two after my playing career. The day after I finished as a player, I became a coach. I've never stopped, I need this relaxation and a way to disconnect from work. I've had a huge responsibility my whole life. Until June, I want tranquillity. After that, we'll see what the market holds. But I think by then, I’ll be ready for a project that excites me to win. I like competing and winning.
"I'll be on the market this summer, I think so. I need to rest until June, and from then on, I'll listen to offers from clubs and national teams. Why not take a national team job and compete in Euro or World Cup qualifiers? Or repeat the Champions League to do even better and have that challenge of being part of a staff prepared to win it. I like motivating challenges. Whatever comes, it should be a challenge that excites me and a chance to win titles," the coach stated.
Ambition as a coach: "To win things. Ultimately, it's about getting our teams to transmit what we have in our heads, just like we did in a year and a half at Barcelona. To have the players follow us, to enjoy and show attractive football for the fans. And the ultimate goal is, of course, to win titles. Competing to win the Champions League, to win a league again, a Euro, a World Cup. I think big, but I also believe we can do great things as a staff."
He is taking the time to travel and spend quality moments with his family, but reveals that he intends to return to management from June onwards, whether at a club or a national team. He is not ruling anything out.
During the interview, Xavi took the chance to explain his approach: "I'm honest, direct and simple. I'm naturally, very much into football. We want people to enjoy it. For me, Cruyff's philosophy has had a significant impact. Obviously, the goal is to win, but above all, to help players enjoy and understand the goal of winning.
"My philosophy is attacking, offensive football. I would add that, nowadays, football is a passion. A player without passion will hardly succeed. It's tough for them to be the number one in their position. A player with passion makes the difference."
Xavi on his current life: "Living, enjoying life. I feel like I haven't had any free time, and now I'm enjoying travelling with the kids and my wife. I'm relishing the day-to-day, being a father. Enjoying a football match without the need or tension of the result. I'm happy, I'm content. The expectations will tell us what the football market offers. And yes, I watch a lot of football; it's my greatest passion. I place much more importance on family now, but I'm constantly watching football. I'm happy watching football; I keep up with everything.
"I watch all teams. Though I feel more aligned with Guardiola, Klopp and Arne Slot, they're all different. What's Tottenham doing? What's Newcastle up to? What's Nottingham Forest doing, now up at the top? What's Nuno doing? I'll watch. Or what does De Zerbi do in build-up play? Luis Enrique, is doing something different from last year. And not just the top leagues, but also those in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Portugal," he added.
On his eagerness to return: "Not for now. I feel like I need this season to rest and reset a bit. I needed it. I haven't had a sabbatical year or two after my playing career. The day after I finished as a player, I became a coach. I've never stopped, I need this relaxation and a way to disconnect from work. I've had a huge responsibility my whole life. Until June, I want tranquillity. After that, we'll see what the market holds. But I think by then, I’ll be ready for a project that excites me to win. I like competing and winning.
"I'll be on the market this summer, I think so. I need to rest until June, and from then on, I'll listen to offers from clubs and national teams. Why not take a national team job and compete in Euro or World Cup qualifiers? Or repeat the Champions League to do even better and have that challenge of being part of a staff prepared to win it. I like motivating challenges. Whatever comes, it should be a challenge that excites me and a chance to win titles," the coach stated.
Ambition as a coach: "To win things. Ultimately, it's about getting our teams to transmit what we have in our heads, just like we did in a year and a half at Barcelona. To have the players follow us, to enjoy and show attractive football for the fans. And the ultimate goal is, of course, to win titles. Competing to win the Champions League, to win a league again, a Euro, a World Cup. I think big, but I also believe we can do great things as a staff."
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