0
0
Xavi Hernandez has reportedly decided to stay as Barcelona’s head coach until the end of his contract inJune 2025.
The 44-year-old stated at the end of January, following a 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal, that he will leave his position as manager this summer.
Xavi claimed at the time that Barcelona needed a change of direction, but the team’s performances and results have improved since his shocking declaration.
The Catalans had lost their past two matches, and were ousted from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on April 16 after a 4-1 home defeat in the second leg of their quarterfinal.
Barcelona then lost 3-2 to Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday evening. The result effectively ruined their already low La Liga title aspirations.
Xavi plans to remain in charge of Barcelona beyond the summer. The Catalans were on a 13-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, and their presence in the Champions League quarter-finals was perceived positively despite their recent tournament woes.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sports director Deco have urged Xavi to reconsider his choice and stay with the club.
Rafa Yuste, the club’s vice-president, claimed last month that Xavi was being considered for a “long-term project” at Camp Nou.
According to Fabrizio Romano, during a discussion on Wednesday evening, Xavi changed his mind about remaining as Barcelona manager.
Barcelona may announce on Thursday that its current manager will remain in charge beyond the end of the season.
Xavi Hernandez to continue with Blaugrana | Is Xavi’s decision correct?
The Catalan club’s chances of winning La Liga this season are 11 points behind Real Madrid’s, unless something unexpected happens.
Despite winning the first leg 3-2 in Paris, Barcelona’s fall from the Champions League quarterfinals was unsurprising given the circumstances.
The match was impacted by Ronald Araujo’s red card in the second leg. The outcome could have been different if the Uruguayan international had played on.
The club has shown significant improvement in the second half of the season. The signals are promising for Barcelona, with their financial situation also expected to improve in the near future.
There will be a couple of big sales this summer, but there will also be incomings, and Xavi must believe that he will have a competitive squad next season; the future looks very bright, meanwhile, thanks to the incredible talents the club has in the shape of Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, and Pedri.
