0
0
Xavi Hernandez might be replaced as Barcelona manager before the end of the season after El Clascio outcome.
According to sources in Spain, if Barcelona loses the El Clasico on Sunday and is eliminated from the Champions League, manager Xavi could be removed before the end of the season.
Xavi has remained convinced that he will not reverse his decision to quit the club at the conclusion of the season, despite attempts by the administration to keep him in position.
However, following Tuesday night’s 4-1 loss to PSG, which knocked them out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals, the 44-year-old is apparently under threat of losing his position in the coming days.
According to Diario AS, a defeat against Real Madrid, which would effectively confirm their rivals as LaLiga champions, might result in his immediate departure and replaced by Barcelona B manager and former teammate Rafael Marquez.
Xavi Hernandez to be replaced? Who will lead Barcelona after the legend departs?
According to the article, the club is unable to lure a more prominent manager due to financial constraints.
The development comes just a day after Barcelona president Joan Laporta hinted at a wish to maintain Xavi in his position beyond the conclusion of his contract.
‘We will discuss this matter at the end of the season,’ he told Mundo Deportivo.
‘[Xavi] is doing really well. He expressed himself in the manner in which he did, and I understand that everything is open and revisable.
‘I knew that there were circumstances that compelled him to do what he did. But at the end of the season, we’ll chat. There is time to discuss it.’
Luis Enrique, the former Barcelona and current PSG manager, also urged the great midfielder to stay after his team won the thrilling last-eight clash.
‘Xavi is the right coach for Barcelona,’ the 2015 Champions League winner stated. ‘I hope and wish he remains thus for many more years, but that is not my decision.’
When questioned about the prospect of remaining, Xavi responded with a firm ‘no’.Following a 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal in January, he announced his departure from the club after two and a half years in command, alleging a lack of respect, appreciation, and rising pressure at a difficult period.
Interestingly, Barcelona then went on a 13-game unbeaten streak, which was halted by their defeat against the Parisians.
He told reporters last week that he was confident their recent improvement would not have been possible without his declaration, but when asked whether he would rethink, he said ‘nothing has changed’.
A defeat in Sunday’s El Clasico could give Carlo Ancelotti’s team an 11-point lead over Barcelona with eight games remaining.
