Barcelona are set to appoint their legendary former midfielder Xavi as their new head coach.
They've decided to pay a five-million Euro release clause to Al Sadd to allow the 41-year-old to replace Ronald Koeman in the Camp Nou dugout.
The chief executive of the Qatari team, Turki Al-Ali, says they've decided "not to stand in his way".
"Xavi informed us a few days ago of his desire to go to Barcelona at this particular time, because of the critical stage his hometown club is going through, and we understand this and decided not to stand in his way."
Xavi won 25 major trophies, including four Champions Leagues, during his 17 years playing career with Barcelona. He takes over a team sitting in ninth-place in LaLiga, nine points behind the current leaders Real Sociedad.
Former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla played under Xavi in Qatar and he feels the World Cup winner can restore Barca's traditional style of play.
“He has a clear idea of football. He wants the ball and to be the protagonist. He is going to do it in any team in the world that he trains.”
“It’s what Barca needs, to return to their style. Xavi likes a lot of possession. He alternates between 4-3-3 and 3-4-3. Xavi always wants more and more possession.”
“Without the ball, we squeeze a lot in the block. He has an idea from the good years at Barca when they pressed very high.”
