Xavi’s future at Barcelona seems to be on shaky ground once again, despite his earlier decision to stick with the Catalan club for the next season.
The saga surrounding Xavi at Barcelona has been a rollercoaster ride. In early 2024, to everyone’s surprise, the Spanish coach announced his departure from the club at the end of the season. This decision was made public during a press conference following a 5-3 home defeat against Villarreal.
However, after some solid performances in the following months, the Barcelona board urged him to reconsider. Despite repeatedly stating that he wouldn’t be the coach next season, the 2010 World Cup winner reversed his decision with the board’s backing, opting to stay on for another year. This move was met with approval from President Joan Laporta.
Yet, following another crucial victory in the pursuit of second place on Thursday, May 16, Spanish reports suggest that Laporta no longer wants Xavi as the Barcelona coach. The club president was reportedly disappointed with Xavi’s recent comments during a press conference after the Almería match.
READ MORE: Xavi stays on! Barcelona coach extends contract for next season
A Reopened Case
Despite Laporta’s previous support, Xavi is expected to be sacked in the coming hours or days. Laporta’s decision comes as a surprise, especially after his expressed desire to retain Xavi as the coach. Several issues at Barcelona have highlighted the disagreement between the management and the coach. Firstly, the team’s lacklustre results have raised concerns. With another season passing without any silverware, it marks the Catalans’ second trophyless season in three years, a performance that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Laporta and Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director.
The handling of Vitor Roque has caused numerous disagreements within the Blaugrana club. While the Brazilian was initially set to arrive in Europe in June 2024, Xavi pushed for his earlier arrival. However, despite Xavi’s desire to have the young Brazilian in his squad, he has seen limited game time and reportedly feels unhappy in Barcelona. Xavi’s comments during the press conference further strained his relationship with Laporta, especially his remark: “I believe that the culer, the Barcelona supporter, must understand that the situation is very complicated, especially economically. It’s nothing like it was 25 years ago when the coach could choose the players he wanted.”
This statement didn’t sit well with Laporta or the Barcelona board. According to Spanish journalist Javi Miguel, the president has instructed the sports administration to find a new coach. Barcelona fans are likely to see a new face on the sidelines next season.
🚨💣 Laporta a pris sa décision, Xavi va finalement QUITTER le Barça à la fin de la saison !
(@sport @mundodeportivo @diarioas @rac1) pic.twitter.com/ETJfJbbKV4
— Actu Barça FR 🇵🇸 (@ActuBarcaFR) May 17, 2024
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