Xavi contradicts Abidal: "I had an offer to take over as Barça coach"

Xavi contradicts Abidal: "I had an offer to take over as Barça coach"

 El secretario técnico habló sobre las no negociaciones con el exazulgrana para tomar el relevo a Valverde y aseguró que el de Terrassa siempre tendrá abiertas las puertas del Barça / | Rubén Moreno

The Al Sadd coach has gone against what Abidal claimed happened in Qatar

Xavi Hernandez has reaffirmed his version of events. The former Barcelona midfielder assured on Monday that the club offered him the manager's job in January -- but he turned it down. 

Sporting director Eric Abidal met with Xavi in Qatar in January when the club were looking for Ernesto Valverde's replacement but told SPORT they didn't offer the club legend the job there and then. 

However, Xavi, the coach of Al-Sadd, once again contradicted Abidal's claim, this time in an Instagram live with his ex-teammates Samuel Eto'o. 

"January wasn't the right moment," Xavi said. "I had talks with Abidal and (CEO Oscar) Grau and there was an offer, but it was not the moment. I need more experience. Coaching Barça is my dream, I would like yo one day, I have said that many times." 

Abidal told SPORT in February that "there was no offer. If he has it, let him show it because I have not seen it." 

On Neymar, Xavi responded: "There is no doubt that he's among the best three of five players in the world, he can make the difference. I hope he returns to Barcelona. I am a Barça fan and I want the best. I have shared a team with him, he has a positive character and he would be an extraordinary signing." 

  

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