Xavi takes over as Al Sadd coach: I am starting a new challenge
The ex-Barcelona midfielder is taking his first steps in management
Xavi says he's looking forward to his first step in coaching after being confirmed as the Al Sadd coach on Tuesday.
The former Barcelona played his last game for the Qatari side last week and has now been handed a two-year deal to become the club's new manager.
"I’m very excited about this new stage in my career that I’m officially starting today as coach at Al Sadd," he said on social media.
"After finishing my unforgettable career as a player, I am starting this new challenge with lots of enthusiasm and conscious of the responsibility to return the trust the club has given me with hard work and commitment!"
After leaving Barça in 2015, Xavi has spent four years playing for Al Sadd, where he has won one league, one Super Cup, one Emir Cup and one Prince's Cup.
Barça hope -- expect, even -- that his coaching career will eventually lead him back to Camp Nou. Xavi's first job in managemement comes as speculation mounts of Ernesto Valverde's future on the bench in Catalonia.
Here is the message Xavi posted on Instagram in thre languages:
