KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: Xavi Hernandez officially took over as new coach of Barcelona in place of Ronald Koeman – and revealed that he had been in line to become boss of Brazil.

The old Barcelona playmaker-hero returned to Camp Nou after the club had negotiated an early end to his contract with Qatari champions Al-Sadd.

Xavi indicated that he intended to bring organisation and control back to the club, suggesting indirectly that it had slipped into a state of near-anarchy.

Then he confirmed reports about the temptation of managing Brazil.

Xavi said: “It is true that I spoke with Brazil. The idea was to help [current coach] Tite and take over catch the team after the World Cup in Qatar next year. But my dream was to come to Barça. I feel prepared, with a lot of confidence.

“I feel that this is the right moment.”

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