A file photo of Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez. REUTERS/Gustau Nacarino
DOHA: Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has hailed Bayern Munich as “one of the favourites” to win the UEFA Champions League this season.
Xavi, now plying his trade with Al Sadd in Qatar, where the German record champions are preparing for the second half of the season, made the comments in an interview with German sport magazine SportBild.
“Bayern have improved under (Jupp) Heynckes this season,” the four-time European Cup winner said. “Everyone knows him and he knows the team and the club very well. They’re one of the favourites to win the Champions League this year.”
One man who could prove key to Bayern’s European hopes, as he was when the Bavarians last won the trophy in 2013, is fit-again Franck Ribery, who was singled out for praise by the Spain legend.
“He’s been one of the best players in Europe over the last decade or so,” Xavi said. “He’s one of the best players in French football history. A top player!”
Xavi’s former club Barcelona are another one of the favourites to lift the big-eared trophy, with the 37-year-old particularly impressed by Borussia Mönchengladbach youth product, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who now keeps goal for the Catalan giants.
“At the moment he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” Xavi said. “He’s playing at a really high level, he’s a good man and is very professional. When I saw him on his first day at Barcelona, I was really surprised by how good his football ability was. He’s a very, very good goalkeeper ... I think he’s more or less on the same level (as Manuel Neuer).”
The Spain international is confident the France international would enjoy life in Qatar and wants to play alongside him at Al Sadd Ribery has been encouraged to move to Qatar and join Al Sadd by legendary midfielder Xavi, who insists the Bayern Munich winger would love life there.
The 34-year-old’s future at Bayern Munich is uncertain as his contract expires at the end of the season and he has been limited to just nine Bundesliga appearances because of injury.
Bayern are planning “serious talks” with the winger, according to chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, but Xavi, who has been with Al Sadd since 2015, believes he should consider making a lucrative switch to Qatar.
“It would be great for everyone here. Also for Ribery,” he said.
“The quality of life here is fantastic, it’s a great country, good for family life.
“Our daughter Asia, for example, was born in Doha. It is comfortable and everyone is happy.
“Of course, the footballing level is different than in Europe, but it would be nice for him to move here.
“I would like to play with him. It would be nice if he will come to us.”
Ribery joined Bayern from Marseille in 2007 and has since won seven Bundesliga titles as well as the Champions League and Club World Cup.
