La Liga: Qatari club give blessing for Xavi to take Barca job

La Liga: Qatari club give blessing for Xavi to take Barca job

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Lots of work for new manager

Xavi replaces Ronald Koeman who was sacked last month following a 1-0 defeat at Vallecano. He is expected to take charge of the Catalan giants' trip to Celta Vigo

Barcelona's president, Joan Laporta, started discussions some weeks ago with Xavi, who made clear he was ready to accept an offer to return to the Nou Camp.

His appointment has been cheered by fans, who welcome home a player who made 767 appearances for Barcelona in a glittering 20-year career in which he won eight league titles and four Champions League winner's medals.

The task facing the 2010 World Cup winner, however, is a monumental one with the club strapped for cash and currently ninth in the league.

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Xavi exit confirmed

Al Sadd had held up negotiations as they tried to negotiate a pay-off, but in the end, decided not to stand in the 41-year-old's 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," Al Sadd's CEO, Turki al-Ali, said in a statement.