Andres Iniesta feels Xavi is ready to coach Barcelona

Xavi reveals his plan to shake up Barcelona, puts down conditions
Xavi reveals his plan to shake up Barcelona, puts down conditions

Ronald Koeman is facing an uncertain future at the Nou Camp and Barca are said to be planning for his replacement.

Former Barcelona star Andres Iniesta reckons that his ex-Blaugrana and Spain teammate Xavi is ready to take over the reins from Ronald Koeman.

Koeman’s future at Barca is plunged into doubt after the 3-0 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage.

The Dutch man also saw his side draw 1-1 against Granada in their recent home fixture in La Liga, much to the disappointment of Barca fans.

Reports have been emerging lately that the Catalans are drawing up a list of potential replacements for Koeman.

Xavi is one of the names preferred by the Barca hierarchy alongside the likes of Roberto Martinez and Erik Ten Hag.

Now according to Sport, Iniesta feels that his former midfield partner has been preparing all along to become the manager of Barca.

Iniesta on whether Xavi is ready to coach Barca: “I think so, yes. If you ask me if I imagine Xavi on the Barca bench. Above all because he’s been preparing and training to coach Barca. He has the confidence to take on this challenge.”

Xavi, who is the current manager of Qatari club Al Sadd, has long been linked with a return to the Nou Camp as a manager.

Even during Josep Maria Bartomeu’s reign, the former Spanish international was approached to take over at Barca however he declined the opportunity as he wanted to have his project start from scratch.

The 41-year-old has fared well as a manager at Al Sadd, leading them to a handful of trophies in the last two years.