Xavi: Barca Shouldn't Sign Aubameyang Or Mane
20 May, 2020
Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have both been associated with moves to FC Barcelona, but club legend Xavi Hernandez has now explained why he feels his former side should not sign both African superstars.
Xavi spent 24 years with the Catalan club, coming through its famed La Masia youth academy before becoming among the key members of the first team.
However, he left the Camp Nou in 2015 to become listed on Qatari side Al Sadd, taking over as manager in 2019. He was heavily associated with a go back to the Spanish giants after Ernesto Valverde was sacked, but seemingly decided it was not the proper time to take charge of Barca.
Xavi, who does seem to be to be thinking about eventually becoming the club's head coach, has now commented on rumours linking the Blaugrana with Aubameyang and Mane.
"Mane and Aubemayang can kill you in open space," Xavi said, as quoted by the Daily Mirror.
"But Barcelona need players who learn how to move around in small spaces.
"I am thinking about a player who would adapt to Barcelona and it's really not simple to find one.
"Samuel Eto'o was perfect, as is Luis Suarez at this time."
The 40-year-old also discussed Neymar's potential go back to Barca, saying he'd be "an extraordinary signing" for the club.
"Football-wise, he's among the three or five best in the world," Xavi added.
"I hope that he returns to Barcelona. He'd add a lot.
"A positive character. It would be an extraordinary signing to become a difference-maker."
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za