Barcelona is on the verge of dismissing coach Xavi Hernandez shortly after he reversed his decision and opted to remain at the club, as reported by Spanish media on Friday.
Catalan radio station RAC-1 stated that President Joan Laporta had made the decision to remove Xavi, a report later confirmed by the daily newspaper Sport.
Additionally, AS reported that Barcelona was already deliberating on potential replacements for the coach. In January, Xavi had initially announced his intention to leave at the end of the season. However, following a period of strong performances, in April, an agreement was reached between him and President Joan Laporta for the coach to continue for the upcoming season, with his contract expiring in June 2025.
Nonetheless, Laporta did not accompany the team for their 2-0 victory over Almeria in La Liga on Thursday. Spanish media suggested that Laporta was displeased with Xavi’s comments made prior to the match.
Xavi had emphasized Barcelona’s financial challenges in comparison to the resources of new Spanish champions Real Madrid and other top European clubs. “Barcelona fans must comprehend that we are not in the same position (as those clubs), “Xavi expressed on Wednesday.
When questioned about Laporta’s absence at the Almeria match, Xavi reiterated his stance on Thursday. “I have not received any personal communication. We traveled with the sporting vice president, and additional directors, everything was routine,” Xavi informed reporters late Thursday.
“I shared my genuine thoughts that we will strive for all titles with optimism and ambition. However, the circumstances are not simple. We are working diligently, particularly the club, to rectify this situation.”
Barcelona clinched the La Liga title last season but failed to defend it. They were eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Paris Saint-Germain and are set to conclude the season without any trophies.
Real Madrid defeated Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, while Athletic Bilbao eliminated them from the Copa del Rey.
In April, the 44-year-old Xavi expressed his optimism, attributing his decision to remain at the club to the support of the fans, players, and, most significantly, the faith of the president and sporting director Deco.
Laporta expressed his satisfaction with Xavi’s decision to stay, emphasizing its positive impact on the club’s stability. “It’s fantastic news that Xavi will continue,” the president remarked during a press conference.
“The team, which is still evolving with numerous young players, requires that stability. Xavi serves as a role model for the younger players, and we can see that. Today, I am particularly delighted, and the board has unanimously backed this choice.”
Xavi, one of Barcelona’s legendary midfielders, was appointed by Laporta in November 2021 to replace Ronald Koeman. As a player, Xavi made 767 appearances for Barcelona, securing four Champions League titles, eight La Liga titles, and the World Cup with the Spanish national team.
During his tenure as Barcelona’s coach, he claimed the Spanish Super Cup last season in addition to the league title. AFP.
From Songu Michael
