Chris Waddle has been talking about Xavi Hernandez as a potential replacement for Eddie Howe.
The former Newcastle United and England star considering the managerial situation at his old club.
Chris Waddle declaring: “Xavi would be an exciting appointment for Newcastle United if Eddie Howe did move on.”
Xavi Hernandez was a world class player, turning out over 500 times for Barcelona, before moving to Qatar in 2015 and playing there for Al Sadd in the remaining years of his playing career.
Chris Waddle speaking to FruityKing: “Obviously Xavi was a great player. When it comes to his coaching obviously we’ve seen bits good and bad bits I suppose but listen I think expectations would be high. The jury would be out. I don’t think Newcastle fans would be doing cartwheels, I think they’d wait and see and they’d give him time but you know Newcastle fans, I think they’d want to see him set his stall out for how he’s going to play what direction he wants to go in. Would he be allowed to bring his own players in?”
On 20 May 2019, Xavi Hernandez played for Al Sadd in his last match before retiring as a player.
Eight days later, the former Barcelona star was named as manager of Al Sadd and stayed there until November 2021.
His old club came along though and paid his release clause, Xavi Hernandez becoming Ronal Koeman’s replacement as Barcelona manager on 6 November 2021.
Xavi remaining as the Barcelona manager until May 2024, when he was replaced by Hansi Flick.
Chris Waddle stating: “Xavi was a great player and when names are put out there, he’s had a couple of jobs in management, but I don’t think Newcastle are going to be putting him at the top of their list if they want to replace Eddie Howe. If in the next few weeks Eddie Howe is not getting the results and he’s out and a manager like Xavi comes in, he’d have to do a lot to win the fans over. It’s alright saying he was a great player but you’d have to judge him on his ability as a manager, and he’s never worked in the Premier League. It’s completely different to where he’s been before. He could be a massive success at a club like Newcastle but I just don’t see it happening.”
Xavi Hernandez hasn’t worked as a manager since leaving Barcelona and is a free agent.
With his high profile and background as a player and as a manager with Barcelona, no surprise to see Xavi Hernandez connected with various clubs as a potential new boss. Chelsea are amongst those that are claimed to be considering an approach.