Pep Guardiola on Xavi’s speculated return to Barcelona
Xavi is reportedly set to become the next manager of Barcelona after the sacking of Ronald Koeman.
Former Barca boss and current Manchester City gaffer, Pep Guardiola, has offered his thoughts on Xavi’s potential takeover at the Nou Camp.
Xavi established himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation under Guardiola’s reign and also helped the Catalan club to a sextuple in 2009.
Now, the Spanish manager feels that Xavi is ready to become the next manager of Barca due to his passion and the experience he had gained over the years at Al Sadd.
Guardiola said (h/t Goal): “First of all I don’t know what will happen. They have an interim manager and I wish him luck.
“Xavi, if it happens, I don’t have any doubts that he’s ready to do the job. He knows the environment which is so important. He knows the game, he has passion. He has more experience now that I had when I took over. If Xavi is the next manager, I wish him all the best and hopefully step by step the team can come back.”
Luuk de Jong on the chopping block
Barcelona are looking to get rid of Luuk de Jong just two months after signing him on loan from Sevilla.
According to Daily Mail, the Catalan giants want to sell the Dutch striker in January, with soon-to-become manager Xavi not interested in his services.
The 31-year-old has struggled to make an impact at the Nou Camp this season, scoring one goal in nine games.
Despite not being a prolific striker, De Jong was Koeman’s surprise choice on the deadline day of the transfer window and the move has gone awry.
Turkish club Besiktas are said to be interested in the former PSV striker, having previously raided Barca for Pjanic’s loan.
