Latest news with #XaviHernandez
Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Social media users troll AIFF after rejecting Xavi Hernandez for India's head coach role: ‘Crowdfunding hi karwa lete'
Social media platforms erupted in disbelief and mockery after reports claimed that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had turned down former World Cup winner Xavi Hernandez's application for the Indian national team's head coach role—citing lack of funds. From sarcastic fundraising suggestions to what-if scenarios envisioning India's football future under Xavi, the online backlash was swift and scathing. According to reports AIFF rejected Xavi's application due to lack of funds (REUTERS) The buzz began after a Times of India report revealed that Xavi had expressed interest in the position and was among several high-profile names who had formally applied. The list also reportedly included former India head coach Stephen Constantine, ex-Liverpool star Harry Kewell, and India's own Khalid Jamil. What caught the AIFF off guard was the unexpected arrival of Xavi's application—reportedly emailed personally by him. However, the form was incomplete, missing key details such as a contact number. Confirming the authenticity of the application, AIFF national team director Subrata Paul said, 'It's correct that Xavi's name was there. The application was emailed to the AIFF.' Despite the excitement such a name might usually generate, the federation allegedly did not pursue the opportunity further. '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 AIFF's technical committee was quoted as saying. Xavi has previously spoken about his interest in Indian football, crediting the growing presence of Spanish coaches in the country. Though his coaching résumé already boasts titles like the 2022–23 La Liga crown and the 2023 Supercopa de España with Spanish football club Barcelona, AIFF reportedly felt that hiring him was financially unrealistic. The online reaction has been relentless. Fans questioned how the AIFF could turn away a name like Xavi, even joking that a crowdfunding campaign could've been launched to afford him. Some pointed to the missed opportunity for Indian football to take a global leap, while others used memes and satire to vent their frustration at what they saw as a typically short-sighted decision.
New Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Xavi Hernandez's application for India coach role stuns AIFF, but federation unable to afford him
NEW DELHI: Spain's World Cup-winning midfield maestro Xavi Hernandez was among those who applied for the position of India's head coach, leaving the All India Football Federation (AIFF) pleasantly surprised, but allegedly unable to process his application for reasons that had nothing to do with football. Xavi, it is learnt, 'sent an email from his own account' to apply for the post. However, the AIFF could not proceed with the processing of his application as the costs involved in recruiting one of the world's finest midfielders were allegedly far beyond the federation's means. 'Yes, he (Xavi) applied for the job of the Indian senior men's team football head coach. He has himself mailed his application to the people in the technical committee, and it looks like he was very much interested in the job,' a source in the AIFF told PTI on Friday. 'However, those tasked with the responsibility of recommending the shortlist of coaches to the executive committee for final approval know that it's difficult. You understand that Xavi is one of the greatest midfielders of all time. People talk about Messi all the time, but he, along with (Andres) Iniesta, are right up there as far as Barcelona is concerned. So, yes, it is what it is,' he added. The experienced Anglo-Cypriot Stephen Constantine, Stefan Tarkovic of Slovakia, and home-bred Khalid Jamil were among three candidates shortlisted on Wednesday by the technical committee of the AIFF. Out of the three, Jamil appears to be the frontrunner to replace Manolo Marquez, who quit earlier this month after a string of poor performances by the national team.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Xavi Hernandez applies for Indian football coach role, but job set to go to an Indian
Spain's World Cup-winning mid-field superstar Xavi Hernandez was among those who applied for the position of India's head coach, leaving the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) pleasantly surprised but also unable to process his application for reasons which had nothing to do with the game. Xavi, it is learnt, "sent an email from his own account" to apply for the post. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Product Management Leadership Project Management Degree Artificial Intelligence PGDM Management Cybersecurity Public Policy Others Technology Digital Marketing Data Science others Healthcare MBA MCA healthcare CXO Data Analytics Data Science Operations Management Design Thinking Finance Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy & Roadmapping User-Centric Product Design Agile Product Development Market Analysis & Product Launch Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate in Product Management Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Creating Effective Product Roadmap User Research & Translating it to Product Design Key Metrics via Product Analytics Hand-On Projects Using Cutting Edge Tools Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Product Management Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy & Competitive Advantage Tactics Product Development Processes & Market Orientations Product Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making Agile Development, Design Thinking, & Product Leadership Duration: 40 Weeks IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Product Management Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details However, the AIFF could not go ahead with the processing of his application as the costs involved in recruiting one of the world's finest mid-fielders was way beyond the federation's means. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now "Yes, he (Xavi) applied for the job of the Indian senior men's team football head coach. He has himself mailed his application to the people in the technical committee, and it looks like he was very much interested in the job," a source in the AIFF told PTI on Friday. "However, those tasked with the responsibility of recommending the short-list of coaches to the executive committee for final approval federation know that it's difficult. Live Events "You understand that Xavi is one of the greatest mid-fielders of all time, people talk about Messi all the time but he along with (Andres) Iniesta are right up there as far as Barcelona is concerned. So, yes, it is what it is," he added. The experienced Anglo-Cypriot Stephen Constantine , Stefan Tarkovic of Slovakia and home-bred Khalid Jamil were among three candidates shortlisted on Wednesday by the technical committee of the AIFF. Out of the three, Jamil appears to be the frontrunner to replace Manolo Marquez, who quit earlier this month after a string of poor performances by the national team. The side's FIFA ranking has plummeted to 133, which is its lowest in nine years. The AIFF had invited applications for the top job on July 4 with July 13 as the deadline. It received 170 applications, which included big names like former Liverpool stars Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell. Before Xavi, Fowler and Kewell had thrown their hats into the ring for the position. Besides the World Cup triumph with Spain in 2010 and Euro title victories in 2008 and 2012, the 45-year-old Xavi has won five La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, and three UEFA Champions League trophies with FC Barcelona, including two continental trebles in 2008-09 and 2014-15. A product of the famed La Masia like his longtime illustrious FCB teammate Messi, Xavi's last coaching job was at FC Barcelona, where he was in charge from 2021 to 2024. Before that, the maestro was managing Qatari club Al Sadd from 2019-21. After his glorious 24-year stint at Barcelona, Xavi had also played for Al Sadd before being appointed the team's manager. He left Barcelona as a player in 2015 for Al Asadd, where he also won four trophies before retiring in 2019. As Barcelona manager, he led them to the 2023 Supercopa de Espana and the 2022-23 La Liga tile.
News18
16 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
Xavi Hernandez As Indian Men's Football Team Coach? AIFF Left Stunned: Report
Last Updated: AIFF surprised by Xavi Hernandez's application for Indian men's team coach. The All India Football Federation was taken aback after they spotted an unusual and unexpected name among the 170-odd applicants for the position of the Indian men's team coach. Even as Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler was the star attraction, now it was time for Spanish football coach Xavi Hernandez, according to a report in The Times of India. Besides Fowler and Hernandez, there were the familiar names like former coach Stephen Constantine, Steve Kean, Khalid Jamil, Kibu Vicuna and Eelco Schattorie, whose work is known in India. Marked in green, Xavi, someone who made over 700 appearances for Barcelona, was shown to have sent the application from his own email ID. 'It's correct that Xavi's name was there. The application was emailed to the AIFF," national team director Subrata Paul told The Times of India. According to the report, the technical committee didn't consider Xavi for the final shortlist because of the high financial cost. As footballer, he enjoyed a brilliant career, winning the World Cup in 2010 and two Euros. '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 technical committee was quoted as saying. The technical committee has recommended three names to the AIFF executive committee to replace Manolo Marquez, who quit earlier this month. The shortlist was finalised by the technical committee chaired by former India skipper IM Vijayan. Xavi was head coach at Al Sadd before taking over at Barcelona four years back and a return to Qatar appears to be on the cards. As per local newspaper Al Raya, Xavi is negotiating a possible incorporation as the national team's next coach. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Forbes
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
FC Barcelona Ace Lamine Turns 18 And Reveals Huge Wish For Next Season
FC Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has finally turned 18, and revealed his wish for next season to ... More the club's official channels in clips that celebrated him reaching the important milestone. FC Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has finally turned 18, and revealed his wish for next season to the club's official channels in one of many clips that celebrated him reaching the important milestone. Lamine of course made his debut as a 15-year-old under former head coach and club legend Xavi Hernandez. Earning a few minutes at the end of a spring win against Real Betis at Camp Nou in 2023, he then became a starter the following season who dislodged Raphinha as the heir to the right wing spot Ousmane Dembele left vacant when joining Paris Saint-Germain. Fast forward not even a couple of years later and Lamine is considered to be in a two-horse race with Dembele for the Ballon d'Or. Smashing at least 17 club and country records mostly based around being the youngest appearance maker of goalscorer, he has already lifted the European championship for Spain and sealed a domestic treble in Blaugrana. That triple crown came in 2024/2025 under current manager Hansi Flick, but it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows as Barca was knocked out of the Champions League semfinals by Inter Milan, despite Lamine putting on what was considered to be an all time great display in the second leg at the San Siro. Barca drew the first installment 3-3 in Montjuic ahead of losing 4-3 in the Italian fashion capital. After turning 18 on the same day that the first team starts its preseason campaign, Lamine is clear on what he wants to achieve in 2025/2026. 'At 18 years old I ask everything I have had in the 16 and 17 plus the title that I have missing, the Champions League, and obviously also the World Cup,' Lamine told Barca One. 'My mentality tells me that I have to go and win. I don't have in my head that I have many years to play. I want to win now and I'll give everything to do it. I tell the Culers that we will be there and we will fight. I'm sure the Champions League will come home and I'll go for the World Cup too,' he added. Lamine could start FC Barcelona's season with positional rivalry Though he is an undisputed starter for Flick on the right wing, Lamine could face some positional rivalry at FC Barcelona if new signing Roony Bardghji manages to impress the German and stay in the senior squad.
