Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has made a U-turn on his decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the season.
The former player, now manager, called out the club for harsh treatment in January 2024, annoucing his decision to leave at the end of the season.
Speaking after Barcelona’s 5-3 LaLiga defeat to Villarreal, the 44-year-old said it is time for him to give up on continuing as Barcelona manager.
‘I decided it some time ago,’ he said of his decision to give up on the possibility of staying on beyond the end of the season.
In frank but strong tones, the former Al-Saad manager added it will be hard for Barcelona to have their Alex Ferguson – a long-term successful manager at the club.
‘People talk about there being a (Sir Alex) Ferguson at Barcelona but that is impossible at this club.”
After announcing his decision to leave, Xavi would continue to stick to his position. He was asked whether he would change his stance if Barcelona won the Champions League, and his reply was in the negative.
“I would not change my decision on my future even if Barcelona win the Champions League.”
Futballnews understands Xavi’s decision to resign stemmed from the mounting pressure that tanked up on the manager following Barcelona’s dismal campaign this season.
However, Barcelona chiefs, led by the club president Joan Laporta and sporting director and former player Deco, wanted him to stay and were reportedly locked in discussion with the 44-year-old.
Following fruitful talks, Xavi has now agreed to change his decision to leave and stay on as Barcelona manager next season, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Xavi’s decision came in the wake of Barcelona’s back-to-back defeats against PSG in the Champions League and Real Madrid in the El Clasico.
Some Barcelona fans thought his imminent exit was a forgone conclusion following the Champions League deadlock and the El-Clasico defeat. But the Spaniard is now set to continue in his role next season.
Xavi won the LaLiga on his debut season as Barcelona manager, including the Spanish Super Cup. He has a contract with the club till 2025, with a 2026 option.
The recent breakthrough that has seen the Spaniard reverse his Barcelona exit decision is more likely to be followed with a new contract offer should he turn around the fortunes of the club next season.
