Xavi Hernandez among those who applied for India national football coach role
The possibility of Xavi Hernandez taking charge of the Indian men’s football team may sound far-fetched, but recent reports suggest it wasn’t entirely out of the question. The former Barcelona midfielder and coach is said to have applied for the head coach role with the Indian national team following the departure of Manolo Marquez earlier this month.
“It’s correct that Xavi’s name was there,” AIFF team director Subrata Paul confirmed in the report. “The application was emailed to the AIFF.”
Despite the high-profile interest, the AIFF reportedly did not pursue the possibility further, primarily due to the potential financial implications of hiring someone of Xavi’s stature. While fans and observers might have welcomed such an appointment, it appears the federation is leaning towards more practical options.
With the national team’s direction still unclear, the decision not to consider Xavi seriously may raise eyebrows. Whether the AIFF’s choice to look elsewhere proves to be the right one remains to be seen, but the mere fact that a figure like Xavi expressed interest has added a surprising twist to Indian football’s ongoing rebuild.
The reaction to this news on twitter sums up how dissociated most Indian football fans are from reality .As if Xavi will magically turn us into prime Barca with these substandard and overrated players.
Xavi Hernandez among those who applied for India national football coach role
The possibility of Xavi Hernandez taking charge of the Indian men’s football team may sound far-fetched, but recent reports suggest it wasn’t entirely out of the question. The former Barcelona midfielder and coach is said to have applied for the head coach role with the Indian national team following the departure of Manolo Marquez earlier this month.
“It’s correct that Xavi’s name was there,” AIFF team director Subrata Paul confirmed in the report. “The application was emailed to the AIFF.”
Despite the high-profile interest, the AIFF reportedly did not pursue the possibility further, primarily due to the potential financial implications of hiring someone of Xavi’s stature. While fans and observers might have welcomed such an appointment, it appears the federation is leaning towards more practical options.
With the national team’s direction still unclear, the decision not to consider Xavi seriously may raise eyebrows. Whether the AIFF’s choice to look elsewhere proves to be the right one remains to be seen, but the mere fact that a figure like Xavi expressed interest has added a surprising twist to Indian football’s ongoing rebuild.
According to the Spanish and European media, Xavi Hernandez never applied for the Indian football head coach job
But according to world-famous football journalist Fabrizio Romano, there has been zero talks between Xavi and AIFF. Romano took to X, and wrote, “Despite recent reports, zero talks took place between Xavi Hernandez and Indian Federation.”
Meanwhile, according to reputed Spanish journalist Ferran Correas, the AIFF ‘intentionally used Xavi’s name to boost the profile of the role’.
Correas has been quoted by Barca Times, in which he said, “People close to Xavi insist that he never applied for the head coach position of the Indian NT. They believe the All India Football Federation intentionally used his name to boost the profile of the role during their search for a new manager.”
Here's the original Spanish report by Ferran Correas (translated into English by Google Translate)
The incredible story of Xavi in India
A curious story has appeared in the Indian media. Manolo Márquez resigned as national team coach this summer. The Catalan coach, who combined that role with coaching Goa, left to dedicate this season exclusively to his team, with whom he must play in the Asian Champions League qualifiers in August.
Following the resignation, the Indian Football Federation launched a casting call to appoint a new national team coach and even published an advertisement . Those interested included former Liverpool coach Stephen Constantine, Harry Kewell, and former Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean, as well as other coaches who have spent part of their careers in the country. Curiously, according to the technical director of the Indian Football Federation, Subrata Paul, Xavi Hernández had also expressed interest in taking the position. Paul himself claims that the Indian Football Federation did not consider the Terrassa native because they were aware that he would ask for a salary they could not reach.
According to sources consulted by this newspaper, however, that offer never came, and they believe the Indian Football Federation has used Xavi's name to enhance the position of national team coach in its search for a manager. In fact, it appears to be a regrettable case of identity theft against the former Barça player and coach.
Additionally, the AIFF received an email furnishing the applications from Spanish coaches Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernández. The authenticity of their applications could not be confirmed, and it has since emerged that the email applications were not genuine.
Absolute morons, these AIFF officials! Couldn't they have checked the authenticity of the applications earlier? I suspect that they did it intentionally, as was alleged by the Spanish media, to boost the profile and to cover up their recent blunders! Showed us in such a poor light!
Student claims he pranked Indian football federation as Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez
It began with a social media post and snowballed into international football news and a meme fest, but it was a prank.
On July 4, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) posted on Instagram: “WE ARE HIRING! Head Coach - Senior Men’s National Team.”
Cut to a few days ago, when a national daily quoted the director of the Indian football team, former goalkeeper Subrata Paul, as saying that the AIFF had received an application from Xavi Hernandez and that the Barcelona legend had shown significant interest.
“It’s correct that Xavi’s name was there,” Paul was quoted as saying. “The application was emailed to the AIFF.”
The same article said the AIFF’s technical committee “did not consider Xavi for the final shortlist due to the high financial cost”.
The football world sat up.
“REVEALED: Xavi had applied for the job of head coach of the Indian National Team. The Federation turned down the opportunity as they couldn’t afford the financial terms of the deal. It was beyond their reach,” wrote Fabrizio Romano, an Italian sports journalist whose YouTube channel has 2.7 million followers.
The internet erupted with memes.
Now, a 19-year-old student at VIT Vellore has claimed he pranked the AIFF.
The student told The Telegraph Online that he created a fake email id, [email protected], and gave a prompt to ChatGPT: “Write an email by Xavi Hernandez expressing his interest to coach the Indian football team.”
He said he sent it to the AIFF twice – on July 4 and 5.
“I copy pasted the [ChatGPT] response and mailed it. I didn’t attach a CV or anything but I think they saw the mail,” the student said.
Screenshots of the two mails sent to AIFF from the fake email id
He shared screenshots of the email he purportedly sent to the AIFF.
Within 24 hours of the Xavi “news”, people close to him told journalists that the former Barcelona midfielder never applied to be India’s head coach. They believed the AIFF used his name as a marketing campaign, some reports said.
Then one X user shared a screenshot of the fake email.
The AIFF has accepted that they could not confirm the authenticity of the applications. And even “Pep Guardiola” had applied.
"The AIFF received an e-mail furnishing the applications from Spanish coaches Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez. The authenticity of their applications could not be confirmed, and it has since emerged that the e-mail applications were not genuine," the AIFF said in a statement on Saturday.
The Vellore student said he did not send the Pep Guardiola email.
Currently ranked at 133 in the FIFA global rankings, the Indian football team has been without a manager since July 2.
I'd make a compelling case for Tarkovic. His tactical discipline and ability to get the most out of limited resources really stood out—especially at Euro 2020, where Slovakia stunned Poland 2–1 by completely neutralizing Lewandowski2. That kind of defensive organization and intensity without relying on physical dominance is exactly what India could benefit from.
His stint with Kyrgyzstan also speaks volumes. Despite not having a squad stacked with stars, he got them to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and into the third round of World Cup qualifiers4. That 1–0 win over Oman was no fluke—it was a masterclass in compact structure and counter-attacking play.
And you're absolutely right about the AIFF’s history of short leashes. Stimac’s sacking after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign is a fresh reminder7. Constantine and Jamil have both weathered that storm before, so they might be more politically resilient. But if the goal is to evolve tactically and build a team that can punch above its weight, Tarkovic’s profile fits the bill.
If the AIFF does go with him, they’ll need to back him beyond just September. Otherwise, it’s rinse and repeat. Curious—do you think the players would adapt quickly to his style? Or would it take a full cycle to see results?
Our players are bad man and now with ISL on hold, most of the players are just training in gyms or local turfs right now. It will be difficult for Tarkovic to implement anything in such short notice.
Personally I would suggest giving Stephen a 1 year contract. Let him choose 30-35 players trim it down during long camps and start implementing with upcoming CAFA nations cup.
Comments
Xavi Hernandez among those who applied for India national football coach role
The possibility of Xavi Hernandez taking charge of the Indian men’s football team may sound far-fetched, but recent reports suggest it wasn’t entirely out of the question. The former Barcelona midfielder and coach is said to have applied for the head coach role with the Indian national team following the departure of Manolo Marquez earlier this month.“It’s correct that Xavi’s name was there,” AIFF team director Subrata Paul confirmed in the report. “The application was emailed to the AIFF.”
Despite the high-profile interest, the AIFF reportedly did not pursue the possibility further, primarily due to the potential financial implications of hiring someone of Xavi’s stature. While fans and observers might have welcomed such an appointment, it appears the federation is leaning towards more practical options.
With the national team’s direction still unclear, the decision not to consider Xavi seriously may raise eyebrows. Whether the AIFF’s choice to look elsewhere proves to be the right one remains to be seen, but the mere fact that a figure like Xavi expressed interest has added a surprising twist to Indian football’s ongoing rebuild.
https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/xavi-hernandez-applicant-aiff-head-coaching-job-vacancy-2761044-2025-07-25
According to the Spanish and European media, Xavi Hernandez never applied for the Indian football head coach job
But according to world-famous football journalist Fabrizio Romano, there has been zero talks between Xavi and AIFF. Romano took to X, and wrote, “Despite recent reports, zero talks took place between Xavi Hernandez and Indian Federation.”Meanwhile, according to reputed Spanish journalist Ferran Correas, the AIFF ‘intentionally used Xavi’s name to boost the profile of the role’.
Correas has been quoted by Barca Times, in which he said, “People close to Xavi insist that he never applied for the head coach position of the Indian NT. They believe the All India Football Federation intentionally used his name to boost the profile of the role during their search for a new manager.”
https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/football/xavi-never-applied-for-indian-football-head-coach-job-aiff-accused-of-intentionally-misleading-fans-report-101753501354925.html
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Here's the original Spanish report by Ferran Correas (translated into English by Google Translate)
The incredible story of Xavi in India
A curious story has appeared in the Indian media. Manolo Márquez resigned as national team coach this summer. The Catalan coach, who combined that role with coaching Goa, left to dedicate this season exclusively to his team, with whom he must play in the Asian Champions League qualifiers in August.
Following the resignation, the Indian Football Federation launched a casting call to appoint a new national team coach and even published an advertisement . Those interested included former Liverpool coach Stephen Constantine, Harry Kewell, and former Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean, as well as other coaches who have spent part of their careers in the country. Curiously, according to the technical director of the Indian Football Federation, Subrata Paul, Xavi Hernández had also expressed interest in taking the position. Paul himself claims that the Indian Football Federation did not consider the Terrassa native because they were aware that he would ask for a salary they could not reach.
According to sources consulted by this newspaper, however, that offer never came, and they believe the Indian Football Federation has used Xavi's name to enhance the position of national team coach in its search for a manager. In fact, it appears to be a regrettable case of identity theft against the former Barça player and coach.
https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/rocambolesca-historia-xavi-india-120055846
A NEW LOW FOR AIFF
https://www.the-aiff.com/article/dismissing-hoax-applications-aiff-exco-to-review-shortlisted-candidates-for-indian-senior-mens-national-team-head-coach-job
Absolute morons, these AIFF officials! Couldn't they have checked the authenticity of the applications earlier? I suspect that they did it intentionally, as was alleged by the Spanish media, to boost the profile and to cover up their recent blunders! Showed us in such a poor light!
Student claims he pranked Indian football federation as Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez
It began with a social media post and snowballed into international football news and a meme fest, but it was a prank.
On July 4, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) posted on Instagram: “WE ARE HIRING! Head Coach - Senior Men’s National Team.”
Cut to a few days ago, when a national daily quoted the director of the Indian football team, former goalkeeper Subrata Paul, as saying that the AIFF had received an application from Xavi Hernandez and that the Barcelona legend had shown significant interest.
“It’s correct that Xavi’s name was there,” Paul was quoted as saying. “The application was emailed to the AIFF.”
The football world sat up.
“REVEALED: Xavi had applied for the job of head coach of the Indian National Team. The Federation turned down the opportunity as they couldn’t afford the financial terms of the deal. It was beyond their reach,” wrote Fabrizio Romano, an Italian sports journalist whose YouTube channel has 2.7 million followers.
The internet erupted with memes.
Now, a 19-year-old student at VIT Vellore has claimed he pranked the AIFF.
The student told The Telegraph Online that he created a fake email id, [email protected], and gave a prompt to ChatGPT: “Write an email by Xavi Hernandez expressing his interest to coach the Indian football team.”
He said he sent it to the AIFF twice – on July 4 and 5.
“I copy pasted the [ChatGPT] response and mailed it. I didn’t attach a CV or anything but I think they saw the mail,” the student said.
Screenshots of the two mails sent to AIFF from the fake email id
He shared screenshots of the email he purportedly sent to the AIFF.
Within 24 hours of the Xavi “news”, people close to him told journalists that the former Barcelona midfielder never applied to be India’s head coach. They believed the AIFF used his name as a marketing campaign, some reports said.
Then one X user shared a screenshot of the fake email.
The AIFF has accepted that they could not confirm the authenticity of the applications. And even “Pep Guardiola” had applied.
"The AIFF received an e-mail furnishing the applications from Spanish coaches Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez. The authenticity of their applications could not be confirmed, and it has since emerged that the e-mail applications were not genuine," the AIFF said in a statement on Saturday.
The Vellore student said he did not send the Pep Guardiola email.
Currently ranked at 133 in the FIFA global rankings, the Indian football team has been without a manager since July 2.
https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/football/student-claims-he-pranked-indian-football-federation-as-barcelona-legend-xavi-hernandez/cid/2115132
I'd make a compelling case for Tarkovic. His tactical discipline and ability to get the most out of limited resources really stood out—especially at Euro 2020, where Slovakia stunned Poland 2–1 by completely neutralizing Lewandowski2. That kind of defensive organization and intensity without relying on physical dominance is exactly what India could benefit from.
His stint with Kyrgyzstan also speaks volumes. Despite not having a squad stacked with stars, he got them to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and into the third round of World Cup qualifiers4. That 1–0 win over Oman was no fluke—it was a masterclass in compact structure and counter-attacking play.
And you're absolutely right about the AIFF’s history of short leashes. Stimac’s sacking after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign is a fresh reminder7. Constantine and Jamil have both weathered that storm before, so they might be more politically resilient. But if the goal is to evolve tactically and build a team that can punch above its weight, Tarkovic’s profile fits the bill.
If the AIFF does go with him, they’ll need to back him beyond just September. Otherwise, it’s rinse and repeat. Curious—do you think the players would adapt quickly to his style? Or would it take a full cycle to see results?