Xavi's Al-Sadd in semifinal action on Saturday with Barça links lurking
The former Barça man is focused on the Crown Prince Cup game for now
Until official sources say otherwise, Xavi Hernandez is the coach of Qatar side Al-Sadd and his main concern is on the pitch. Therefore, the young coach from Terrassa is focused on Saturday's important game with a place in a cup final up for grabs.
Al-Sadd play in the Crown Prince Cup semifinal against Al-Rayyan. It's a competition which brings together the four best-placed teams in the league from last season. As the current champions, Xavi's side are taking on the side who finished fourth last season.
Things are going a bit differently this year, though. Al-Rayyan, coached by the Uruguayan Diego Aguirre, are currently second in the table, four points clear of Al-Sadd who have a game in hand. The only game between them this season ended 4-2 to Al-Rayyan.
But these tournaments are different. With Gabi in the middle of the pitch, the Afif-Al-Haydos duo on the wings and the lethal Bounedjah in attack, anything can happen for Xavi's side.
Al-Duhail wait in the final
The other semifinal took place on Friday, with Al-Duhail, the current leaders of the Qatar Stars League beating Al-Sailiya 2-0 with goals from Mario Mandzukic and Ali Almoez.
In response, Al-Sadd said: "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 hom. 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."
