Al-Sadd release statement on Xavi's future as Barça links resurface
They know he will return to Barça one day but stress he is still their coach at the moment
Friday's meeting in Doha (Qatar) between Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal, the club's CEO Oscar Grau and Xavi Hernandez has led to a reaction from Al-Sadd.
The Qatar club, who are coached by Xavi, have released a statement to explain their position after it was revealed Barça were sounding him out to take over from Ernesto Valverde in the future.
"The possibility that Xavi goes to Barcelona at any moment is normal, and we hope that he returns in the future because it was his club and his first home," they said. "But as of today, Xavi is the coach of Al-Sadd Club."
The statement continued: "Xavi is focused on (Saturday's) game and any negotiation over his departure will be through the official channels."
Al-Sadd's intervention has seen the rumours grow of a possible return to Barcelona, this time to occupy the bench as the first-team boss.
Barça continue to rule out sacking Valverde after the Spanish Supercopa loss.
Turki Al-Ali: Xavi is focusing on tomorrow’s game, any talk about his departure will be made through official channels
— Al Sadd SC | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) 10 de enero de 2020
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