Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi is currently managing Al Saad in Qatar after enjoying one of the most decorated careers in European football.
The World Cup winner and double European champion spoke about a number of key subjects including his favourite managers, following in Pep Guardiola's footsteps, the Premier League title race, Lionel Messi and a winter World Cup.
On his favourite managerial styles
"I am in love with Pep Guardiola's football. But there are also other ways to play football like (Jurgen) Klopp, (Mauricio) Pochettino, (Unai) Emery.
"Now I have started as a coach, I see the different methodologies. You can win playing football in different ways, but I like the one of City and Guardiola the most."
"Guardiola is a reference for me. As a player he already was, because we played in the same position, we spent three years together in Barcelona as players and then four magnificent years with him as coach.
"He is a brilliant, demanding, passionate, obsessive person, that's why he's doing so well. It transmits a lot to the footballer. I learned a lot and enjoyed my time at his side."
Whether he'll manage in Europe - and even England - one day
"I don't hide it, my goal is to return to Europe and return to Barca, it is my challenge ahead, but I'm still learning in this project and I'm also enjoying it.
"My idea, which also happened to me as a footballer, is to be in Barcelona. That is my goal, but obviously, who doesn't like the Premier League? The football atmosphere, the packed stadiums and the people who play in the Premier League say it's extraordinary.
"Obviously if I had to choose, I would choose a big team, City or United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Tottenham.
"Training this type of team would be a privilege and the greatest privilege for me would be to return to Barca."
On the Premier League title race
"It will be very interesting to see that war. I follow the Premier League a lot and I like it.
"I especially like Guardiola's football, I am in love with position and possession football and Guardiola is doing an incredible job.
"Also, Klopp and Pochettino and Unai Emery, many people who have gone there are doing an extraordinary job.
"It will be a very competitive Premier League because Liverpool have not won the league for many years. They are very strong, both Klopp and Guardiola."
On whether Man City can win the Champions League
"Guardiola has been chasing it since he left Barcelona. He couldn't get it with Bayern after three semi-finals. This year he had very bad luck against Tottenham due to VAR.
"They are after the Champions League. They had very bad luck. In the end you can win or lose the Champions League due to very small details. He has not been lucky, but I think his goal is to win everything.
"He is doing an extraordinary job, he had bad luck because Liverpool were spectacular and won the Champions League."
On Lionel Messi's Barcelona future
"Leo is happy, he is with his family living in Barcelona, and he is very well established and deeply rooted in Catalan culture.
"In the end, I obviously believe that he can decide his future. He has earned it and deserves it, but I see him happy in Barca, I don't see any symptoms of him leaving Barcelona.
"I talk to him sometimes and I see him happy. In the end, he has clearly earned the right to decide his future. I agree with that."
On managing in the Qatar Stars League
"There is quite a level here. The league has improved a lot in recent years. Obviously, there is still a step from what football is like in Europe, but they are competing.
"It's a good experience for me to start in a club like Al Sadd, even if it is in a small country but speaking in terms of football it is growing and I am also learning."
"I have no experience as a coach and we are obligated to win since Al Sadd is historically a winning team and also one of the best in the country - or the best.
"We are obligated to achieve great challenges, even here. The league has improved a lot in recent years. Obviously, there is still a step from what football is like in Europe but they are competing.
"It is an extraordinary country for me, in life it is a very important project."
On a winter World Cup in Qatar in 2022
"It's positive because players will arrive in better shape. The weather will be spectacular, 20-25 degrees, it is perfect for playing football.
"Players will not have to travel because it is a very small country and the stadiums are very close.
"It will set a precedent because the World Cup is also the most important football event."
On Qatar's hopes as World Cup hosts
"We've qualified for the Asian Champions League in the semi-finals. Qatar is competing in Copa America and competes with Paraguay, Colombia, Argentina.
"It is going to be an extraordinary event in terms of organisation and I think Qatar can compete well with large teams.
"Felix Sanchez is doing a great job as a coach and they have improved a lot in recent years."
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