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Xavi Close to Morocco Coaching Role

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. 6/03/02/xavi-close-to-morocco-coaching-role.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, March 2nd 2026 at 4:26 GMT by legit
      Locales: SPAIN, MOROCCO

Rabat, Morocco - March 2nd, 2026 - Morocco's national football team is on the cusp of a new era, with legendary Barcelona midfielder and manager Xavi Hernandez heavily favored to become their next head coach. Following a lackluster performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers which ultimately led to the dismissal of Francesco Guidolin, the Moroccan Royal Football Federation (MRFF) has reportedly entered advanced negotiations with Xavi and his representatives. This potential appointment has sent ripples through the football world, sparking debate and anticipation about what Xavi could bring to the Atlas Lions.

Guidolin, despite a lengthy and respectable career, failed to inspire the necessary consistency needed to secure Morocco's place in the expanded 48-team World Cup. A recent draw against Liberia, coupled with a narrow victory against Mozambique, exposed vulnerabilities within the squad and prompted swift action from the MRFF. While the qualifiers aren't yet over, the decision was made to proactively seek a coach capable of instilling a winning mentality and implementing a modern footballing philosophy.

Xavi Hernandez, after a turbulent second stint at Barcelona, presents himself as that very figure. Though his recent tenure at the Camp Nou didn't end in triumphant fashion, marked by financial constraints and internal club struggles, his coaching pedigree remains largely untarnished. He delivered a La Liga title with Barcelona in 2023, demonstrating his ability to build a competitive team and extract the best from his players. More importantly, his emphasis on possession-based football, tactical flexibility, and developing young talent aligns with the long-term vision of the MRFF.

Why Xavi? Beyond the Name Recognition

Morocco has a wealth of talented players, many of whom ply their trade in Europe's top leagues. Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, and Youssef En-Nesyri are just a few examples of individuals capable of world-class performances. However, these talents haven't consistently gelled into a cohesive, dominant national team. Xavi's expertise lies in unifying individual brilliance into a strategically sound and tactically astute collective. He's known for his meticulous approach to training, emphasizing positional play, pressing, and quick transitions - all elements currently lacking in Morocco's game.

Furthermore, Morocco is actively looking to invest in its youth academies and cultivate the next generation of football stars. Xavi's proven track record of nurturing young players at Barcelona B and integrating them into the first team makes him an ideal candidate to oversee this developmental process. The MRFF hopes he can create a sustainable pathway for Moroccan talent, ensuring the national team remains competitive for years to come.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite the excitement surrounding the potential appointment, Xavi will face significant challenges. The Moroccan league, while improving, still lags behind the major European leagues in terms of quality and infrastructure. Convincing established European-based players to fully commit to the national team and adopt his tactical system will be crucial. He'll also need to navigate the cultural nuances of Moroccan football and build strong relationships with the players and the MRFF.

Another key challenge will be adapting his favoured possession-based style to a Moroccan squad steeped in a history of dynamic, counter-attacking football. Balancing tactical flexibility with maintaining the team's inherent strengths will require careful consideration and innovative strategies.

Financial Implications and Contract Details

While exact figures remain undisclosed, it's widely reported that Xavi is seeking a substantial salary, commensurate with his status and experience. The MRFF, backed by significant government investment in football, is believed to be willing to meet his demands. However, negotiations are ongoing, focusing on performance-based incentives and the scope of his influence over player selection and team strategy. Sources close to the negotiations suggest a three-year contract is being discussed, with an option for a further two years based on performance.

The appointment of Xavi Hernandez represents a bold and ambitious move by Morocco. If successful, it could catapult the Atlas Lions into a new era of sustained success and firmly establish them as a major force in African and global football. The coming weeks will be crucial as the MRFF finalizes the deal and prepares to unveil their new coach to the world.