Xavi Hernández, former FC Barcelona player and coach, has hinted that his next step in management could take him to the Premier League. In an interview with The Athletic, the World Cup winner expressed his admiration for English football and criticized the pressure-driven mentality that dominates Spanish football.

“I would love to work in the Premier League because I love the passion there. In Spain, it’s all about results,” said Xavi, who has been without a club since leaving Barcelona in May 2024.

Looking for a Long-Term Project

The Catalan coach explained he is in no rush to return to the sidelines, but he is looking for a club with a clear long-term vision:

“I’m not in a hurry, but I’d like a good project. A project where they tell me: ‘You have four years to work and develop something.’”

During his spell at Barcelona (from November 2021 to May 2024), Xavi won LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup, after a successful stint with Al-Sadd in Qatar.

He also defended other coaches often criticized in Spain, such as Carlo Ancelotti:

“Look at what’s happening to Ancelotti, with everyone criticizing him. It’s not fair. He’s won thirty titles in ten years and they talk like he’s won nothing.”

Xavi praised the stability of clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, pointing to coaches Mikel Arteta and Enzo Maresca as examples of patience and trust:

“Arsenal with Arteta is a great project. It’s his sixth year and there have been tough seasons, but the club trusted him. That doesn’t happen in Spain.”

International Ambitions?

As a player, Xavi won the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships with Spain. He admitted he would be open to coaching a national team in the future:

“Why not coach Spain? Or any other national team. I’m in no rush. I’m enjoying watching football and spending time with my family.”

The former midfielder also confessed his passion for tactical analysis:

“The most matches I’ve watched in a single day? Eight. I love analyzing teams. Sometimes I’ll just type in ‘Atalanta’ on my laptop and watch four straight games because I’m interested in what Gian Piero Gasperini is doing.”