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Xavi Wants A 'Dream Team' Of Assistants To Take Barcelona Back To The Top

Xavi Wants A 'Dream Team' Of Assistants To Take Barcelona Back To The Top

Xavi is a club legend and looks ready for a spell as manager and he wants some big names as coaching staff.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

Barcelona legend Xavi has revealed Carles Puyol and Jordi Cruyff are his 'dream team' of assistants should he ever become manager.

The Catalan giants had been in touch with their former captain earlier this year after sacking Ernesto Valverde.

However, the 40-year-old opted to stay with Qatari side Al Sadd as he didn't feel ready to step into the Nou Camp dugout.

Xavi recently spoke with El Pais and admitted he thinks his time will come - with a list of assistants already drawn up.

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PA

"I am delighted to continue gaining coaching experience and challenging myself, but of course it would be a privilege for me to train Barca one day," the World Cup winner begun.

"I'd want a dream team, with Jordi Cruyff, Carles Puyol and some current players.

"I would like to make a team with important people who know the club, people who I trust and will be loyal to me."

Puyol is also a former Barcelona captain and is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders ever.

He played with Xavi for 15 years and they won six La Liga titles as well as three Champions Leagues together.

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PA

The pair also represented Spain at international level and won the 2008 European Championships as well as the 2010 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Cruyff spent two years in Spain during the 1990's and is the son of Johan, one of the most influential figures in football history.

Barcelona opted to hire Quique Setien to replace Valverde and while Xavi commended his style of play, he warned that results must follow.

"In January I told them that it was not the right time and since then they have not contacted me.

"As a 'cule' I wish them the best. I respect Quique Setien a lot, he has a style very similar to what Barca needs, which is 'Cruyffismo', but another thing is the results that accompany..."

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PA

Xavi then turned his attention to Lionel Messi, who is still Barcelona's key man.

He explained that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner holds they key to his side winning this season's Champions League.

"Messi needs Barca and Barca needs Messi," he stated. "They have to make him happy because with him they will win more titles. I maintain a great friendship with him, I respect him a lot.

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PA


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PA

"He's a competitive animal, he always wants to win and for ten years he has been the best footballer in the world. Hopefully, we can meet again on a professional level. Having the best player in history on your team means you always have an ace to win."

Do you think Xavi will be Barcelona manager one day?

Let us know in the comments below.

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Xavi, Football News, Football, Barcelona, Champions League, La Liga, Carles Puyol