Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport

A Spanish journalist has revealed Barcelona superstar Xavi Hernandez asked for “maximum control in the sporting area” among other conditions when he was reportedly offered to manage Barcelona.

According to radio programme ‘El Larguero’ broadcast by Spanish network Cadena SER, former Spanish international Hernandez, 40, was offered the position to manage Barcelona, however wanted several conditions before accepting the post.

Spanish journalist Sique Rodriguez, who said the reports came from “several sources from Barca and someone close to Xavi” claims Hernandez “asked from the beginning to be incorporated in June and did not want to join halfway through the season.

“He wanted maximum control in the sporting area. He asked for the signing of Carles Puyol, he wanted him close to the offices and the pitch.

“He wanted global control of football, let’s say a global vision of the club. He asked for the recruitment of Jordi Cruyff.”

Jordi Cruyff is three-time Ballon d’Or winner Johan Cruyff’s son and manager of the Ecuadorian national team.

The Spanish journalist also said: “He wanted a remodelling of the medical services at Barca, basically changing the current head of medical services in Barca. He wanted his brother Oscar as an assistant in the coaching staff.”

Rodriguez went on to say that when the sporting directors “passed on the conditions to (Josep Maria) Bartomeu, the president (of Barcelona), he was surprised and discarded continuing negotiations because he wanted a manager for immediate incorporation.”

The decision to move on to other candidates eventually led to current Barcelona boss Quique Setien, 61, accepting the post.

Barcelona are currently second in La Liga with 52 points and are playing Eibar tomorrow (Saturday).

They were drawn to face Napoli for their Champions League Round of 16 match set to take place on 25th February in Naples.

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