Pic: Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandes at Qatar Cup press conference.
Doha: Barcelona legend and Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandes is not going anywhere, at least until the end of the regular football season in Qatar.
Chased by La Liga giants to take over at Barcelona as a coach this past week, Xavi on Thursday cleared the air by saying at a media conference: "I will continue with Al Sadd at least until the end of the season. My goal is to continue until the end of the season."
Xavi, who took over as coach of Al Sadd at the start of the on-going season, added: "I had the proposal (from Barcelona) but I did not feel that this is the right time (to move). I am more calm now. I did not expect the proposal (from Barcelona). The last three or four days were tough. Al Sadd is my reality. My focus is here."
The 39-year-old, who played for Al Sadd for two seasons before accepting the coaching stint of the club, on Thursday admitted the last few days were tough on him as his team prepared for the Qatar Cup final on Friday.
"Those three-four days (of speculation) are over (smiles). As a coach, I try to be fair with my players. This is me. My family and my players, I respect them a lot," Xavi said.
"My dream is to coach Barca but this is not the right time. Right now I am with Al Sadd," he added.
