Xavi Hernandez has said he is ‘ready’ to return to Barcelona, two months after turning down the chance to take over as manager.
The former midfielder, who spent almost his entire playing career at the Catalan club, was among the favourites to replace coach Ernesto Valverde but turned down the chance with Quique Setién taking over.
In an interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi said he is now convinced that he is ready for the job and believes in his abilities.
“I am clear that I want to return to Barcelona, I am very excited,” Xavi said.
“Now that I have seen myself coaching I think I can bring things to the players.
“But I made it clear to them that I saw myself in a project that started from zero and in which the decision-making was mine,” he added.
He believes the team has the right set of players and would not need a total overhaul, but would do with two or three additions.
Former attacker Neymar is on top of his list, even though he has reservations due to ‘social issues’.
He, however, sees Serge Gnabry and Jadon Sancho as the two players who can add quality to the LaLiga leaders.
“I don’t know if Neymar would fit in due to the social issue, but in football terms, I have no doubts it would be a spectacular signing,”
“They don’t need many new players: maybe Jadon Sancho, Serge Gnabry…”
Despite their struggles this season, Barcelona are leading the LaLiga standings on 58 points, two ahead of archrivals Real Madrid on 56.
