Xavi ran for India coach, 'failed' in the qualifying round

Spain and Barca legend Xavi Hernandez was not shortlisted for the Indian national team head coach job.

Xavi was eliminated early in the race to become the head coach of the Indian national team - Photo: REUTERS

According to The Times of India , former Barcelona "captain" Xavi Hernandez has sent an email to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to apply to be the coach of the country's national team.

"Yes. Xavi's name is on the list. His application has been sent via email to AIFF," AIFF official Subrata Paul confirmed.

However, Mr. Paul also confirmed that Xavi was "eliminated" and was not on the list of final candidates.

According to Indian press, the reason for Xavi's early elimination was not due to professional or experience issues but because of finances.

Specifically, Xavi's salary is considered quite high and is completely inappropriate for AIFF's budget.

"Even if Xavi is really interested in Indian football and is willing to accept the offer to be the national team coach, we still need a huge amount of money to pay his salary," Mr. Paul shared.

AIFF said they were really surprised by the number of candidates who submitted their applications to become the coach of the Indian national team. Besides Xavi, strategists such as Stephen Constantine, Harry Kewell and Steve Kean... are also rumored to have submitted their applications to AIFF.

The head coach position of the Indian national team has been vacant since July this year after coach Manolo Marquez resigned.

HOAI DU

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/xavi-ung-cu-hlv-an-do-rot-ngay-vong-loai-20250726174101531.htm