Xavi will not be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season. The former midfielder had said earlier this year that he would be stepping away from the role, but he has now decided to stay on. Xavi took over in 2021 and led Barca to the La Liga title last season. However, this campaign they look set to finish without any silverware as they trail Real Madrid by 11 points in the league. Xavi has reversed his decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the season and will instead continue as head coach.
The former Barca midfielder announced in January that he would be walking away from a role that he described as “cruel and unpleasant”.
He cited a “lack of respect” and said “your work is not appreciated”. But following a meeting with club president Joan Laporta, Xavi has opted to remain with the Blaugrana.
He confirmed the reversal of his original decision at a club press conference, stating: “I changed my mind because I really felt total confidence from the president, from the board and the players too. This project isn’t finished yet.
“Me, my staff, all together feel that we have strength to make important things together and continue this project.” Barcelona are currently second in La Liga, 11 points behind leaders Real Madrid.
They reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League where they were beaten in crushing fashion by Paris Saint-Germain.
Xavi took over as Barcelona head coach in 2021 and led them to the title last season.
But this campaign they are set to finish without any silverware.
Defeat to Real Madrid in a potentially title-deciding ‘El Clasico’ in their most recent La Liga outing left Barca 11 points behind their arch-rivals in the table with just six matches to play.