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Barcelona 'on verge of appointing Xavi as head coach'

Barcelona 'on verge of appointing Xavi as head coach'
© Reuters
Barcelona are close to appointing Xavi as their new head coach after talks with Al-Sadd, according to a report.

Barcelona are reportedly closing in on the appointment of Xavi as head coach.

The 41-year-old quickly emerged as the leading candidate to replace Ronald Koeman, who was relieved of his duties at Camp Nou last week following the 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano.

Xavi has a contract with Al-Sadd until after the 2022 World Cup, and Barcelona have been locked in talks with the Qatari outfit over releasing the legendary midfielder.

According to Goal, the Catalan club's vice-president Rafa Yuste and director of football Mateu Alemany have travelled to Doha to hold talks with Al-Sadd chiefs.

The report claims that Barcelona are now confident of appointing Xavi as the team's new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract, with an announcement likely to arrive next week.

Sergi Barjuan is currently in charge of the first team on an interim basis and is expected to remain in the role for Saturday's La Liga clash with Celta Vigo.

Xavi made 767 appearances for Barcelona between 1998 and 2015 before joining Al-Sadd, where he played for four seasons before taking over as manager.

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Al Sadd manager Xavi pictured at the Club World Cup in December 2019
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid29226164204472
2Barcelona29197360342664
3GironaGirona29195559342562
4Athletic Bilbao29168550262456
5Atletico MadridAtletico29174854342055
6Real Sociedad291210742311146
7Real BetisBetis29101273433142
8Valencia28117103232040
9Villarreal29108114751-438
10Getafe2991193742-538
11Las PalmasLas Palmas29107122932-337
12Osasuna29106133343-1036
13AlavesAlaves2988132635-932
14Mallorca29612112535-1030
15Rayo Vallecano29611122538-1329
16Sevilla29610133644-828
17Celta Vigo2969143244-1227
18CadizCadiz29313132040-2022
19Granada2828183058-2814
20Almeria29110182857-2913


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