Xavi back at Barcelona
Barcelona named former midfielder and captain Xavi Hernandez as head coach on a contract until 2024.
Xavi, who personified the attacking style made popular by Barcelona and Spain’s national team, was released from his contract as the coach of Qatari club Al Sadd.
Xavi will replace Ronald Koeman, who was fired following a series of losses.
The 41-year-old Xavi left Barcelona in 2015 after helping the club win 25 titles, including four Champions Leagues and eight Spanish leagues in 17 seasons. He was also key to Spain’s streak of titles when it won the 2010 World Cup and European Championships in 200■ and 2012.
“It’s not successful (campaign) because you’re knocked out of the World Cup. It’s a bitter pill to swallow,”
— SOUTH AFFRICA HEAD COACH MARK BOUCHER AFTER THE TEAM FAILED TO QUALIFY FOR THE KNOCKOUTS DESPITE DEFEATING IN-FORM ENGLAND BY 10 RUNS IN ITS LAST LEAGUE GAME.