Despite being one of the legends of the club, Xavi Hernandez and FC Barcelona did not part ways in the best fashion at the end of the last season. In a roller coaster of events, the former Blaugrana coach announced his decision to quit at the end of the 2023-24 season in January, before he was convinced by Joan Laporta to take back his decision.
However, the Barcelona President himself terminated his contract as the Catalans finished the season without a trophy. Since then, the former midfielder has not taken up any other coaching job.
But this is not to say that he has not had the opportunity to do so. As Mundo Deportivo has reported, Xavi had received an offer from one of the big Serie A sides, AS Roma, but he rejected this offer.
The Romans have only recently dismissed their own club legend, Daniele de Rossi, from the head coach position, a decision which has met with strong opposition from the club’s fans. Roma offered Xavi to replace the Italian on their team’s bench, but could not convince Xavi to take the job.
Ultimately, they decided to appoint the Croatian tactician Ivan Juric as de Rossi’s successor. However, they were also linked with two other big names, Stefano Pioli and Francesco Farioli. But like Xavi, neither of these two was willing to take this job at a team that has only got six points for its first five Serie A games.
On the other hand, Barcelona have been far more successful in replacing Xavi Hernandez, as Hansi Flick has been able to lead his Barcelona team to six victories in the first six matches.
Meanwhile, Barcelona fans will also be keenly looking on where Xavi takes his next job as a coach, as he still remains a beloved figure among the Cules despite his unceremonious departure from the club.