Xavi debuts as coach with a 4-3-3 formation as Al Sadd bear Barca stamp

Xavi Hernandez's post-playing days have delivered his coaching debut with Al-Saad, as they drew 1-1 with Spanish third-tier side Palamos.

The game showed that, while it's still early, Xavi has plenty of work on his hands.

A total of 1,400 people watched on in Palamos, with many of those attending to see the World Cup-winner up close, particularly with him seemingly destined to take the reins at the Camp Nou someday.

Typical of pre-season games, there was little to report from the action and the first half ended goalless, though Palamos had a strike ruled out by VAR.

The Catalans went ahead with a penalty but the scores were levelled seven minutes later through Nam Tae-Hee.

After that, there was little time for much else in a forgettable bow on the bench for Xavi.

Despite the result, 1-1, Xavi responded to the expectation on him.

He went for a 4-3-3 formation which had a Barca identity stamp. A lot of ball possession and inclusion of the goalkeeper in the creation of play.

With the defence planted in the middle of the pitch, Al Sadd kept the ball wetland pressed high when it was lost.

Xavi followed the game on foot, correcting his players’ positions time and time again, against a Palamos that could only counter attack.