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Xavi says would be 'Dream' to coach Barca as pressure mounts on Valverde

FC Barcelona's supporters display a huge banner to thank Spanish player Xavi Hernandez for his career at FC Barcelona. [Courtesy]

Barcelona great Xavi Hernandez has said it is his dream to coach his former side after his current club, Qatari outfit Al Sadd, confirmed that the ex-Spain midfielder has been in negotiations with the Spanish champions. Xavi, Barca’s all-time leading appearance maker who lifted 25 trophies in a 17-year career with the club, has been linked with a return to the Catalans since they were beaten 3-2 by Atletico Madrid to exit the Spanish Super Cup on Thursday.

That loss, which came after a surprise 2-2 league draw at struggling Espanyol, has heaped pressure on coach Ernesto Valverde even though his side lead La Liga and are into the last 16 of the Champions League.

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