Barcelona only just emerged from a bit of a managerial farce in which they sacked boss Ernesto Valverde despite sitting top of the league at the time, and had to settle for Quique Setién, far from their first choice.
During that period, former midfielder Xavi was widely tipped to take over the reins, with Abidal approaching him in Doha last month during the Spanish Super Cup that was being held in Saudi Arabia.
Xavi, who is currently in charge of Al Sadd in Qatar, was reportedly offered a two-and-a-half-year deal by Abidal and CEO, Óscar Grau.
But negotiations ultimately broke down, and the eight demands that were made by Xavi have now come to light, via Forbes:
- Maximum control of the sports department
- The incorporation of sextuple captain Carles Puyol
- The incorporation of Joan Vila, whom he considers his ‘sporting father’
- The incorporation of Jordi Cruyff, son of club icon Johan
- The incorporation of brother Oscar, to become part of the coaching staff
- Global control of the youth categories and their academies
- Remodelling of the club’s medical services plus a replacement of its current head
In addition to these demands, Xavi was adamant that he would only take over in June, as he wanted to see out the rest of the season with Al Sadd.
And it was that request that seemed to be the biggest stumbling block for the Barca hierarchy, who then turned their attention elsewhere.
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But with Setién hardly being the most popular choice with those in power at the club, the return of their former legend may still not be too far away.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
