Al-Sadd respond to rumours linking Xavi to Barcelona

Al-Sadd have released a statement following rumours linking Xavi with the vacant managerial role at Barcelona.

Ronald Koeman was sacked by the La Liga outfit on Wednesday evening and the Spaniard was instantly installed as the favourite to take over.

Barca president Joan Laporta confirmed that the club had been in contact with Xavi, claiming that the 41-year-old was destined to manage in Catalonia "one day".

On their official Twitter page, Al-Sadd wrote: "In response to what's circulating recently, the Al Sadd management reaffirms that Xavi has a two-year contract with the club and is fully focused on the team's upcoming matches, to maintain our lead at the top of the league and to defend the title."

Xavi has been in charge of Al-Sadd since 2019, having spent the final four years of his playing career at the club, and led them to the league title earlier this year.

The Doha-based outfit have won all of their first seven matches of the new campaign and sit three points clear at the top of the Qatar Stars League.