It has been claimed Xavi Hernandez turned down a big managerial role before getting the Barcelona job.
The Spanish manager is now in his second campaign with the Catalan giants, who are currently top of the LaLiga log.
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Xavi has impressed many with Barca nine points clear of second-placed Real Madrid and in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey in his first full season in charge of the Blaugrana.
With recent reports suggesting that club president Joan Laporta is considering offering Hernandez a new long-term deal, the Spanish national team's sporting director Albert Luque has now revealed that he previously tried to hire Xavi for La Furia Roja while the head coach was still doing his coaching badges.
"I gave him the opportunity to start in the Federation," he said, per SPORT.
"I know how he understands football and I know the leadership ability he has.
"I tried to get ahead, but I already had plans.
"I hope we meet again in the future."
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Luque also joked that the Royal Spanish Football Federation would snatch at the chance to hire the Barca coach for the manager role today.
"Xavi as coach? If he wants, we can close it right now," he added.
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