FC Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has, on Friday, spoken publicly regarding the possibility of taking his place in the dugout at the Camp Nou.
Koeman’s days numbered?
Speculation surrounding a potential Blaugrana return for Xavi has of course kicked up a notch of late.
This comes amid widespread calls for change on the bench in Catalunya.
Current boss Ronald Koeman has long represented a divisive figure amongst the Barcelona faithful, but a less-than-impressive opening to the campaign has seen more and more of a Blaugrana persuasion turn against the fiery Dutchman.
In turn, despite Barca having managed wins in their two outings on the back of the international break, the widespread assumption remains that Koeman’s days at the Camp Nou are very much numbered.
‘My dream’
Who, though, could step in to replace Koeman?
Amid a transitional period in the Catalan capital, Joan Laporta and co. are no doubt aware that their next choice of manager will prove integral when it comes to the club’s prospects over the coming seasons.
To this point, the likes of Roberto Martinez and even Andrea Pirlo have been tipped as potential targets on the part of the Barca hierarchy.
Without question the most persistently linked tactician, however, has been Xavi Hernandez.
Blaugrana icon Xavi is currently honing his managerial craft in the middle east, with Qatar Stars League outfit Al Sadd.
However, it has frequently been suggested that the one-time midfield maestro is simply biding his time, in the hopes of securing a return to former stomping grounds at the Camp Nou.
And, if the aforementioned latest comments on the part of Xavi himself are anything to go by, then the 41-year-old appears to be eyeing precisely that.
Speaking in an interview with 20 Minutes on Friday, Xavi was drawn on the possibility of linking back up with Barcelona, this time as the man in the dugout.
And the tactician was not shy in admitting that such a development represents not only his ‘idea’, but also a personal ‘dream’:
MUJAMMELLM10
100
Dear Xavi , come and lead us...we don't need trophies right now ..we want a strong team🔵❤🔴
AlmateenAris
41
There's no better man to help Barça than Valverde. Man was great, the problem was Bartomeu and his staff.
MUJAMMELLM10
15
Do you know something Guardiola wasn't a much experienced coach when he became a coach..I think history will return 😍🔵❤🔴