Xavi reveals reasons to turn down Barca's offer

CAIRO-16 January 2020: Barcelona legend, Xavi Hernandez, was Barcelona's board first choice to replace Ernesto Valverde as the club manager. However, Barcelona's former captain decided to reject the offer so the Catalan went to Santander and offered Quique Setién the job.

"Yes, I received an offer from Barcelona in a meeting with Eric Abidal and Oscar Grau, but I did not accept it, especially because it is too early to train Barcelona." Xavi told press on Thursday.

Barcelona wanted to follow the same manner of 2009 when the board gave the chance to their former captain, Pep Guardiola, who led the club to win six titles in the first season and dominated the domestic and international competition by his football.

Xavi added "It will remain my dream in the future to be a Barcelona coach."

Barcelona sacked Ernesto Valverde after the club was knocked out of the Spanish Super Cup as they lost to Atletico Madrid 3_2 at the semi-final.