Xavi reveals talks with Moroccan FA over national team job before Mohamed Ouahbi appointment

Former FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has confirmed that he held discussions with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation about the possibility of becoming head coach of the Morocco national football team.

In an interview with La Vanguardia, the Spanish football legend revealed that he has received several offers to return to coaching, including an approach from Morocco.

Xavi explained that he is now more inclined to work with a national team rather than manage a club.

He pointed to the demanding nature of club football as a key reason behind his preference.

“I’ve had some offers, one from Morocco and others from different countries,” he said.

Xavi added that the intensity of club management makes it difficult to balance professional commitments with family life.

“Coaching a club is very intense, and it’s hard to manage with family responsibilities. That’s why I’d like to try with a national team,” he added.

The former midfielder also highlighted the advantages of working with international teams.

“With a national team, you get more time for training, more time for family, and the opportunity to take part in the World Cup, the Euros, or even the Africa Cup of Nations. These projects excite me. With proper preparation and less stress, it’s something I’d enjoy,” Xavi added.

He further stressed that the constant pressure associated with club management is no longer something he is eager to experience. “Coaching a club is heavy pressure, and it’s not what I want now,” he concluded.

There had been speculation for weeks that the Moroccan federation had opened talks with Xavi following the departure of former Atlas Lions coach Walid Regragui. The Spaniard has now confirmed that those discussions did indeed take place.

However, Morocco eventually turned to Mohamed Ouahbi, who was officially appointed as head coach on March 9.

Regragui had been in charge of Morocco since 2022 and led the team to a historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

The federation’s swift appointment of Ouahbi reflects its ambition to build momentum ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.