Barca legend Xavi diagnosed with Covid-19
Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has tested positive for coronavirus and will take a break from managing Qatari club Al Sadd.
The 40- year- old, who won the World Cup and two European championships with Spain, revealed news of his positive test ahead of Al Sadd’s home game with Al Khor yesterday.
“Today I won’t be able to join my team on their comeback to the official competition,” Xavi wrote on Al Sadd’s official Twitter account, while confirming reserve- team coach David Prats would deputise for him.
“A few days ago, following the Qatari League protocol, I tested positive in the last Covid-19 test.
“Fortunately, I’m feeling OK, but I will be isolated until I am given the all-clear.
“When the health services allow it, I will be very eager to return to work.”
Steve Cooper feels Swansea are the poor relations of the Sky Bet Championship play-offs.
Hi s side face Brentford, the Championship’s top scorers, while Cardiff and Fulham – who were both relegated from the Premier League last season – meet in the other semi-final.
“The other three teams in the play-offs are at a completely different stage to us,” said Cooper, who has guided Swansea to the sixth spot in his first season of management in senior football.
“Brentford have bought players and the other two semi- finalists are two of the most resourced squads in the league.
“The strength in depth they’ve got is ridiculous really compared to us.
“But we don’t mind that. We are feeling good, we are hungry and focused. We love the fact we’ve got loads of young players and like playing in a certain way.”
Swansea secured their play- off spot on Wednesday, when they won 4- 1 at Reading, and Nottingham Forest lost 4-1 at home to Stoke – providing the fivegoal swing Swansea needed as Forest were shaded out on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Brentford boss Thomas Frank has promised the Bees will rediscover their sting after missing out on automatic promotion.
Frank’s side finished third – two points behind second-placed West Brom – with a 2- 1 home defeat to lowly Barnsley on Wednesday costing them dearly. He said: “There’s only two options in life. You can sit down and cry, think the world is unfair and things are against you. Or you can stand up and fight. Of course, that’s what we have chosen to do.”