Xavi Hernandez has reiterated his desire to coach Barcelona in the future but suggests he will not return until a different board brings a new sense of direction to the club.
Hernandez is in charge of Al -Sadd in Qatar and turned down an approach in January after Barca sacked Ernesto Valverde , which led to the surprise appointment of Quique Setien .
In an interview with Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia published on Sunday, Xavi said Neymar would be a “spectacular signing ”, and singled out former Spain defender Carles Puyol and the one- time Dutch winger Jordi Cruyff as people he would like to work with .
Yet the relationship between Barcelona ’s board, led by president Josep Maria Bartomeu, and the players has remained tense , with Lionel Messi ’s public criticism of technical secretary Eric Abidal among a number of off-field controversies .
“I am clear that I want to return to Barca , I am very excited, ” said Xavi , who was asked if a change of board would be needed for it to happen. “Obviously I would like to be in tune with everyone ,” he said . “In the dressing room there can ’t be a negative or toxic atmosphere .”
“Everything has to fit ,” Xavi added . “I would like to come in with people from my environment that could form a good team .”
Pushed on whether working with the current board would be a deal -breaker, Xavi said : “It wouldn ’t be definitive but I insist I would like to have total harmony. I don ’t know if that can happen … I have nothing against anyone and I don’ t have a bad relationship with Bartomeu.
Xavi mentioned the likes of Puyol, whom he played with under Pep Guardiola , and Cruyff , son of Johan and former Barca and Manchester United winger , as the kind of people he would like to work alongside .
“I would like to work with people in whom I have confidence , with whom there is loyalty ,” said Xavi . “We are talking about Carles Puyol, who was captain of Barca , and Jordi Cruyff , a very good businessman with a lot of experience as a technical secretary .”
He also said Neymar , whom the Catalans tried and failed to sign from Paris Saint – Germain last summer , would be a “spectacular signing ”.
“Most of the squad seems extraordinary ,” Xavi said . “The base is very good . I would sign forwards , like Neymar . I don ’t know if he would fit in a social sense but in football terms I have no doubt he would be a spectacular signing .”
