Xavi For India Coach Job? Social Media Reactions Expose Harsh Reality

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) made everyone's eyes roll by claiming that Spain and Barcelona icon Xavi Hernandez had applied for the role of head coach of the national team, but his application was rejected due to financial constraints.

As per a TOI report, an AIFF source revealed that the board could not hire Xavi as they were unable to afford the former Barcelona manager's salary. However, this report has been quashed by famous journalist Fabrizio Romano.

According to Romano, no talks took place between Xavi and the AIFF despite the latter's claim. Romano took to X, and wrote, “Despite recent reports, zero talks took place between Xavi Hernandez and Indian Federation.”

Another journalist from Spain Ferran Correas has accused the AIFF of ‘intentionally using Xavi’s name to boost the profile of the role’. As per the Barca Times, Correas was quoted as saying, “People close to Xavi insist that he never applied for the head coach position of the Indian NT. They believe the All India Football Federation intentionally used his name to boost the profile of the role during their search for a new manager.'

India Fans React On Social Media

Indian fans took to X to vent their anger spreading fake news around Xavi and his application for the head coach role.

Xavi's Salary With Al Sadd And FC Barcelona

As per AIFF claims, Xavi was rejected due to his salary demands. However, as per an account named Adipoli Bro, it claims Xavi's salary at Al Sadd as well as Barca.

However, national team director Subrata Paul suggested that Xavi's name was one the list of candidates. Speaking to TOI he said, "Yes, Xavi’s name was there. The application was emailed to the AIFF."

According to TOI, other candidates who have applied for the job are ex-India coach Stephen Constantine, Liverpool legend Harry Kewell, Kibu Vicuna, Eelco Schattorie, Khalid Jamil, Slovakia’s Stefa Tarkovic and former Blackburn manager Steve Kean.

Xavi, former Barcelona manager, had revealed in an interview with The Athletic, that he followed the Indian Super League (ISL) because of the Spanish head coaches working in the league. He stated, “I follow the Indian League because there are a lot of Spanish coaches there.”

Xavi, as a player, won five La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies and three Champions League titles to go with two continental trebles.