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Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, Xavi Hernandez has said he is open to coaching a national team, citing the need for more time with family and less pressure compared to club football.
The 46-year-old, who has been out of management since leaving Barcelona in May 2024, told Spanish broadcaster RNE that a role in international football “could be a good fit” for him at this stage of his career.
“My next step could be a national team. I’ll say it openly: this could be a good fit for me,” Xavi said.
“I have family. A club wouldn’t allow me as much time with my family; I’ve got young children,” he added.
The 2010 World Cup winner said he is keen to experience major tournaments as a coach.
“I’m keen to take part as a coach in a World Cup, Euros, AFCON, or the Asian Cup,” Xavi stated.
Xavi spent just under three seasons at Barcelona, winning LaLiga and the Supercopa de Espana in 2022-23 before being relieved of his duties following a trophyless 2023-24 campaign.
He previously managed Qatari side Al-Sadd, where he won seven trophies.
He has also spoken about finding club management in Spain particularly intense.
In a separate interview with The Athletic, Xavi said: “In Spain, it’s too much about the result”, and noted that coaching at Barcelona was “too emotional” because he was a supporter.
The former midfielder said he would prefer a project with time to build.
“There’s no hurry for me, but I’d like a good project. Like, ‘You have four years to work and make a project’,” he told The Athletic.
Reports in February linked Xavi with the Morocco national team job as a potential “dream” appointment ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
However, other reports in recent weeks said he had rejected a huge international role to stick to his plan of returning to club management in 2026, with the Premier League cited as a preferred destination.
Xavi took charge of 143 matches with Barcelona, winning 90.
As a player he won eight LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues with Barcelona, and the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.
