Barcelona have confirmed the appointment of Xavi as their new head coach on a contract until 2024.

The 41-year-old immediately became the favourite for the position once the decision had been made to relieve Ronald Koeman of his duties following a disappointing start to the 2021-22 campaign.

Al-Sadd had initially been reluctant to release Xavi from his managerial duties, but Barcelona were able to reach an agreement with the Qatari outfit towards the end of last week.

Xavi is now back at the club that he represented as a player between 1991 and 2015, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns during a glittering career.

"FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with Xavi Hernandez for him to become first team coach for the rest of the current season and two more seasons," read a statement on Barcelona's official website.

"Xavi Hernandez, a youth team product at Barca, has left his current club, Al-Sadd of Qatar, after talks held over the last few days with the owners of the club.

"It is expected that Xavi Hernandez will arrive in Barcelona this weekend and that on Monday 8 November his presentation as new FC Barcelona first team coach will take place in an event open to the public at Camp Nou.

"After the event Xavi Hernandez will appear in a press conference in the Ricard Maxenchs press room. Shortly we will detail the agenda for the presentation of Xavi Hernandez as the new coach of the first team."

Sergi Barjuan will remain in interim charge of Barcelona for Saturday's La Liga clash against Celta Vigo, with Xavi's first match at the helm set to be the Catalan derby with Espanyol after the international break. body check tags ::