Way forward for Barca: Iniesta makes case Catalan icon Xavi

 

As La liga giants Barcelona continue to joggle post Messi realities, legend Andres Iniesta believes his former midfield partner Xavi would be the perfect new manager for the Catalan side.

Ronald Koeman, who is still in charge at the Nou Camp, has come under fire in recent weeks, but he offered a defiant message in his press conference on Wednesday.

However, with rumours circulating that Joan Laporta has drawn up a shortlist of candidates for the role, Iniesta has thrown Xavi’s name into the ring.

The pair dominated La Liga during Barcelona’s peak in the early 2010s, with the duo considered the best midfielders on the planet under Pep Guardiola.

“I think [he is ready], yes. If you ask me if I imagine Xavi on the Barca bench,” the Spaniard recently told SPORT.

“Above all, because he’s been preparing and training to coach Barca. He has the confidence to take on this challenge.

The 37-year-old is still a professional footballer, and he plies his trade for the Japanese side Vissel Kobe, but he has considered a coaching role.

“There are days you think you want to coach, others no, I don’t know. Playing right now, it’s hard to visualise anything else.

“It’s true that I have to think about [coaching] and see what the possibilities are. What I would like to do and I think I will, is get my badges.”

Another name that has been has been linked with the Barcelona post is Jordi Cruyff, Johan Cruyff’s son.

Johan Cruyff is recognised as the father of modern Barcelona, and the principles that he laid down in the 1990s are still upheld today.

It was this factor that saw Jose Mourinho pass over the role in favour of Guardiola when the Spaniard was offered the job, sparking their rivalry.

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Xavi certainly ‘knows the club’ after spending almost two decades at the Blaugrana before moving onto Al-Sadd where he hung up his boots.

The 41-year-old is currently in the hot seat of the Qatari side, and he has led them to two Qatar Stars League titles.