What a career Xavi has enjoyed

Barcelona legend Xavi has announced his retirement at the end of the season while also confirming his plans to go into coaching.

Xavi has been a household name in football for some time now.

Graduating through Barcelona’s famous academy La Masia, Xavi scored 85 goals and assist 182 in 769 appearances for the club.

During that time, the midfielder won several major honours including four Champions League trophies and eight La Liga trophies.

Xavi also triumphed on the international stage with Spain, winning the European Championships twice and a World Cup in 2010.

Back in 2015, Xavi decided to take a new path, joining Qatari club Al Sadd SC.

Now, after making 84 appearances for the club, Xavi has announced he will hang his boots up for good when the current campaign finishes.

UNSPECIFIED – JULY 12: (L-R) Sergio Ramos, Xavi Hernandez, Pedro Rodriguez, Carles Puyol, Fernando Llorente and Fernando Torres celebrate with the World Cup trophy during the Spanish team’s flight home on board a plane from Johannesburg to Madrid following their victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup on July 12, 2010 in flight, Unspecified. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

The next chapter in Xavi’s footballing career

In a statement released to AS, Xavi revealed his decision to end his 21-year career.

While claiming it has been a privilege to play football for so long, his most interesting comments came in the form of what he wants to do next.

Xavi has claimed he’s looking forward to ‘seeing what the future holds for me as a coach.’

“My philosophy as a coach reflects the style we developed for many years under the influence of Johan Cruyff and La Masia, and that has its greatest exponent in the way of playing football in Barcelona,” Xavi explained.

“I love seeing the teams take the initiative on the field, play attacking football and return to the essence of what we all loved since our childhood days: football possession.”

Safe to say, if he can get his teams playing like the Barcelona side he played in, the sky is the limit.

A glimpse of life without Eden Hazard

Chelsea fans are calling for Eden Hazard to be introduced in their Europa League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt after a lacklustre first half.

There are no doubts that Eden Hazard has been pretty incredible this season.

Hazard was a sure bet for a place in the PFA Team of the Year but was amazingly snubbed.

Chelsea even released a statement in shock of Hazard’s snub.

Despite that, Hazard has been so important for Chelsea both in the Premier League and Europa League.

Scoring 19 goals and assisting 13 so far this season, Hazard is almost impossible to leave out.

That’s why when the team sheets were released for the Europa League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, Chelsea fans were not happy.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 22: Ngolo Kante celebrates with Eden Hazard of Chelsea after he scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Burnley FC at Stamford Bridge on April 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Poor start in Germany

That’s because Eden Hazard had been left on the bench, seemingly rested for their game against Watford on Sunday.

That was fine until Frankfurt went 1-0 up in the 23rd minute.

Inform striker Luka Jovic stooped low to head past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

It wasn’t against the run of play either, Frankfurt had actually dominated the game up to that point.

David Abraham had also missed a huge chance before Jovic’s opener.

Thankfully for Chelsea fans, their side did crawl their way back into the game.

Despite a lacklustre first half performance, Chelsea scored an all-important away goal on the stroke of half time.

Winger Pedro placed the ball beyond the reach of Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp.

Even with Pedro’s goal, Chelsea fans want to see Eden Hazard and soon.

Where will Jose Mourinho manage next?

Jose Mourinho has given an insight into what he wants from his next job in management after being sacked by Manchester United.

It was back in December when Mourinho’s tenure at Manchester United came to an end.

Following a disappointing result against Liverpool, Mourinho was given his marching orders.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær soon took over and has done pretty well so far at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Mourinho has descended into the shadows somewhat.

Bar a few rumours and some media appearances, Mourinho has been out of the spotlight.

Now, with the summer approaching, Mourinho has given an insight into what he wants from his next job.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Manchester United and BSC Young Boys at Old Trafford on November 27, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Time and confidence

Speaking about former rivals Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, Mourinho claimed he would ‘love’ to be at a club where he’s given time and confidence to succeed.

Using Guardiola as an example first, Mourinho cites Pep’s spending spree last summer.

Then, he explains that despite Klopp having not won a trophy in three and a half years, the German still has the confidence of the club.

“I would love to go to a club and be able to do, for example, what Jurgen and Pep have done,” Mourinho explained in an interview with MARCA.

“If you look at the team with which Liverpool jumped into the game today – against Barça – how many players were there before [Klopp]?

“When Pep was not happy with the back four, that summer he bought four new ones he liked.

“Jurgen is in the club and he does not win at all for three and a half years and he still has the confidence and the conditions to move forward.

“They have a great opportunity to do so this season, but it would be the first time they won a title.”

Only time will tell which club is willing to offer him that time and confidence.