'It's too early' - Xavi confirms he rejected Barca & hopes Setien can succeed

At the press conference before the final of the Qatar Cup that Al Sadd will play this Friday against Al Duhail, Xavi Hernández confirmed the offer of Barça and explained the reasons for his refusal to return to Camp Nou four and a half years after leaving the club.

"Yes, I received an offer from Barcelona in the presence of Eric Abidal and Oscar Grau but I did not accept it, especially since it is too early to coach Barcelona, but it will still be my dream in the future to be a coach of Barca".

The Egarense, who met three times with the technical secretary and the CEO of Barça on Friday, Saturday and Sunday last in Doha before dismissing the offer and continue to fulfill the contract with Al Sadd until June 2020, said he informed his footballers of the decision.

"First I told my family and then the Al Sadd players because they followed the subject. For three days I wasn't in my best position but now I'm totally focused on Al Sadd," he said.

Xavi also praised Quique Setién, chosen to lead the Barcelona bench after signing until June 2022. "I love the new coach of Barcelona, I love the way he works and I hope he succeeds with the team,” he said wishing him all the successes at Camp Nou.