FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is set to return to the touchline in charge of the Catalans after making a U-turn. Media reports in Europe previously suggested that the former Barcelona midfielder was on his way out of the club, but he will stay put until June 2025.
According to the club’s vice-president Rafa Yuste, he said Xavi was “always” the board’s bet to continue as head coach after the Barcelona legend agreed to see out his contract and stay in the dugout until at least June 30, 2025.
The announcement comes as Xavi made it clear in January that he would step down from the role on the mentioned date this year.
Xavi to Remain with Barcelona Until June 2025
The BBC and Forbes report that following a meeting at Laporta’s residence where Yuste and Sporting Director Deco participated, the former midfielder performed a dramatic U-turn and went back on his original word.
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“There is unanimity on the board of directors regarding Xavi’s continuity as coach,” Yuste explained, while interviewed by journalists near Laporta’s house. Deco also trusts Xavi 100%. Xavi wants to develop the sporting project with these talented youngsters who are coming up. He is very excited about the project. He has detected a huge enthusiasm on the part of the [fans] and that has given him a lot of strength to continue with his work.”
The 44-year-old Xavi was reportedly set to be convinced by Laporta and Yoste to consider staying at Camp Nou as the two bosses were keen for him to remain.
Xavi’s Coaching Stint at Barcelona
A look back at his stint as Barca manager, Xavi took charge in November 2021 after leaving Qatari club Al Sadd and led the La Liga outfit to the Spanish title in his first full season in charge in 2022/23. However, they are now trailing log leaders Real Madrid by 11 points with six games left to play in the current La Liga campaign.
At the same time, Xavi’s u-turn comes on the back of Barca’s UEFA Champions League exit last week following a quarter-final defeat by Paris St-Germain.
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In his career as a midfielder for Barca, Xavi lifted 25 trophies during an illustrious playing career and said he felt “liberated” following the announcement that he would step down from the role at the end of the season. When he announced he was leaving after defeat by Villarreal, he felt he was not protected by the club and there was no clear direction. But since that moment, when Xavi felt a more relaxed approach, the team’s results improved.
The former European champions went 10 matches without a loss in the league before losing 3-2 to Los Blancos on Sunday. The BBC has it that if Xavi is unable to improve the team’s fortunes by the end of the upcoming campaign, both Laporta and Yoste will be forced to persuade one of the high-profile managers out of contract then – including Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, and Mikel Arteta.
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