Xavi Hernandez Applies for India Head Coach Job
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) thought they’d seen it all. That was until they stumbled upon a jaw-dropper in the pile of 170-odd applications for the vacant Indian men’s football team coach role. Sure, Robbie Fowler’s name was the headline act, Liverpool royalty and all that but tucked in the list was an entry that nobody saw coming: Xavi Hernandez.
According to The Times of India, the application wasn’t just a prank. It was sent directly from Xavi’s own email ID and was even highlighted in green because how else do you mark a footballing deity?
“It’s correct that Xavi’s name was there. The application was emailed to the AIFF,” confirmed national team director Subrata Paul. Imagine checking your inbox and finding an email from the guy who orchestrated tiki-taka like a grandmaster moving pawns.
To be fair, it wasn’t just Xavi and Fowler on the list. There were also more familiar names for Indian fans: former India coach Stephen Constantine, ISL regulars like Steve Kean, Khalid Jamil, Kibu Vicuna, and Eelco Schattorie. All seasoned and experienced in Indian football circles.
But Xavi? That’s next-level.
Still, there was a reality check. The AIFF’s technical committee, chaired by former India captain IM Vijayan, ultimately didn’t shortlist Xavi and the reason was as predictable as it was disappointing: money. “Even if Xavi was genuinely interested in Indian football and could be convinced to take up the job, we would need a lot of money,” a member of the committee was quoted saying.
The man has over 700 appearances for Barcelona
And to be honest, fair enough. The man has over 700 appearances for Barcelona, a World Cup in 2010, and two Euros in his trophy cabinet. The financial ask was always going to be Everest-sized.
He had managed Al Sadd before taking over at Barcelona, has now left the Camp Nou and, according to reports, might head back to Qatar.
Interestingly, in a previous chat with The Athletic, he did say he “sometimes follows the Indian League because many Spanish coaches are there.” So maybe it wasn’t as outlandish as it first seemed.
In the end, the AIFF’s technical committee has forwarded a three-man shortlist to the executive committee as they look for a replacement for Manolo Marquez, who stepped down earlier this month.
He may not be heading to India just yet, but for a brief moment, the idea wasn’t fantasy, it was sitting in the AIFF’s inbox, green-highlighted and everything.
Also Read- Chelsea’s £1.4 Billion Transfer Plan: Genius Strategy Or Financial Gamble?
