Xavi Hernandez confirms 'interesting calls' over management return after Barcelona exit

Feargal Brennan

Xavi Hernandez confirms 'interesting calls' over management return after Barcelona exit image

Xavi Hernandez has hinted at a return to management in 2025 after leaving Barcelona at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

The 44-year-old won the 2022/23 La Liga title on a wave of fan optimism over their former midfield metronome mirroring Pep Guardiola and leading the club back to their sensational glory days.

However, a fractured relationship with the club's hierarchy undermined Xavi's progress, and he confirmed his decision to leave at the season end in January.

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As results picked up, and Xavi's link with club president Joan Laporta improved, he opted for a dramatic U-turn on his decision and agreed to stay on.

His commitment to fulfilling his contract until the end of 2024/25 appeared to draw a line under the issue but there was to be one final twist.

Xavi Hernandez
(Getty Images)

Laporta moved to sack him in the final days of the campaign with Hansi Flick eventually appointed as his successor.

After rollercoaster ending at La Blaugrana, Xavi confirmed his plans for a year-long sabbatical, similar to those taken by Guardiola.

That remains his objective, as he looks to assess his options, with reports from Relevo indicating clubs have made 'interesting calls' to him over taking charge.

Xavi will not rush his next move, and will not take a job mid-season, but he could be tempted by a Premier League switch for 2025/26.

Feargal Brennan

Feargal Brennan Photo

Feargal is a content producer for The Sporting News. He has been working with TSN since the start of 2022 after stints with Reach, Amazon UK and Squawka in a nomadic career in the football media pyramid. Always with a keen eye on Arteta's 'Reds' and Kenny's Ireland 'Greens' and  a100% five-a-side penalty record.