Qatari Al-Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez said that his return to Barcelona will be "fantastic and exciting", as he confirmed yesterday, Wednesday, negotiations to take over the training of his former team.
Barcelona officials, Rafael Yusti and Matteo Alemani, traveled to Doha on Tuesday to negotiate with Al Sadd to leave Xavi, and they met with the former midfielder's agents on Wednesday.
Barcelona is looking for a replacement after the dismissal of Dutch coach Ronald Koeman due to poor results this season.
"The two clubs are negotiating. I can't say more but I'm a positive person. It's about logic. They need to reach an agreement, that's the situation," Xavi told reporters after the 3-3 draw with Al Duhail in the Qatari league.
"I have been speaking with Barcelona for a few days now and it is ready. The two clubs know my position and I hope a solution will be found soon."
Xavi, who indicated that he attended a dinner with Al Sadd and Barcelona officials, added, "I hope to return to my home. Returning to Barcelona will be wonderful and exciting."
Al Sadd had announced its desire for the Spanish coach to stay.
Al Sadd CEO Turki Al-Ali said in a tweet posted by the club's account on Twitter before the start of the match, "We welcome the visit of the administrative delegation from Barcelona, which is appreciated and respected. The club's position is clear from the beginning, we are committed to our coach (Xavi) and we cannot neglect him in This is a sensitive time of the season."
And Spanish media indicated that there was a penalty clause in the contract of Xavi, who enjoyed an amazing career as a player with Barcelona from 1998 to 2015, worth 10 million euros.
Barcelona occupies ninth place in the league, and is coached by Serge Bargoan temporarily.