When Xavi Came Calling
Football fans across India were stunned on July 25. Reports broke out that Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez applied to coach the Indian national team. Yes, that Xavi, the man who bossed midfields, lifted the World Cup, and led FC Barcelona as manager.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) received an application from him directly. His email landed in the inbox of the technical committee. But instead of opening talks, they moved on.
The Official Word “Too Expensive”
So, why didn’t AIFF chase a global icon like Xavi?
The answer is simple, they couldn’t afford him.
“His name was in the list. But he was out of our budget,” a top official confirmed.
Despite his interest, the AIFF didn’t initiate any further conversation. For an organization battling financial strain, Xavi’s salary demands were too steep.
Not Just a Name,A Proven Winner
Xavi is not some PR stunt. He’s a proven manager.
In his short stint with Barcelona, he:
•Won La Liga 2022–23
•Won Spanish Super Cup
•Revamped the squad with youth
•Took bold tactical decisions
Before Barça, he won league titles with Al Sadd in Qatar, blending experience with innovation.
India didn’t just skip on a name. It skipped on experience, vision, and credibility.
Also read : Alexander Isak Wants Out: Newcastle’s Star Striker Eyes Exit Amid Transfer Tension https://clickingtosports.com/alexander-isak-transfer-desire-newcastle-future/
India’s Shortlist vs Xavi’s Resume
Instead of Xavi, the AIFF has shortlisted:
•Stephen Constantine (former India coach)
•Khalid Jamil (ISL and I-League veteran)
•Stefan Tarkovic (former Slovakia coach)
Solid names, but nowhere near Xavi’s legacy.
This gap speaks volumes about where Indian football stands. While the world eyes marquee managers, India scales back, not due to strategy, but shortage of funds.
A Brutal Reality Check for Indian Football
This moment lays bare India’s football reality.
The country dreams of World Cup qualification. It wants better FIFA rankings. But when a modern great shows interest, budget becomes the wall.
This isn’t just about Xavi. It’s about a system that refuses to think big.
If AIFF can’t even entertain a conversation with someone of Xavi’s profile, how will India ever evolve in world football?
Also read : Khalid, Renedy among three men in contention for next India coach https://sportstar-thehindu-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/manolo-marquez-indian-football-head-coach-sacked-successor-khalid-jamil-renedy-singh-contenders/article69846491.ece/amp/?amp_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17534260516715&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fsportstar.thehindu.com%2Ffootball%2Findian-football%2Fmanolo-marquez-indian-football-head-coach-sacked-successor-khalid-jamil-renedy-singh-contenders%2Farticle69846491.ece
