Barcelona officially confirms that Xavi Hernandez will remain the coach of the team

Barcelona officially confirms that Xavi Hernandez will remain the coach of the team

Xavi Hernandez will remain as Barcelona coach, club president Joan Laporta announced at a press conference on Thursday, after reversing an earlier decision to step down at the end of this season.

“We know that he made some statements in the middle of the season, but today we have the good news that he is staying and he conveyed to me his enthusiasm and confidence in the project”Laporta said.

Laporta announced the decision in a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

“The project is not finished. I think it is what is best for the club.

“I am a big fan of Barcelona. I have a high level of trust with the president and the board. The complicity and support of the players has also been essential. I want to thank them for their love and support”said Xavi.

“A lot of people, including my players, made me understand that it’s not over”he added.

Laporta said it was “excellent news” that Xavi was staying, adding that “stability is one of the keys to success”.

In January, Xavi announced his intention to step down after a disappointing 5-3 defeat at home to Villarreal. Despite later speculation to the contrary, he consistently rejected any idea of ​​extending his term.

His announcement came on the back of a remarkable 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions. This impressive form has propelled Barcelona into the Champions League quarter-finals and into second place in La Liga, eight points behind leaders Real Madrid.

However, their Champions League run was cut short by Paris Saint-Germain, who overturned Barcelona’s first-leg advantage with a decisive 4-1 win in Spain.

Five days later, Xavi’s side suffered another setback, losing 3-2 to arch-rivals Real in El Clasico. This defeat left Barca 11 points behind Real with just six games left in the season.

Xavi took over as Barcelona head coach in November 2021, succeeding Ronald Koeman on a permanent basis. In his first full season at the helm, his side captured the La Liga title, marking a promising start to his tenure.

However, Xavi has faced challenges in European competitions, with Barca knocked out of the Champions League group stage in back-to-back seasons. Additionally, the team struggled in the Europa League, being knocked out in the quarter-finals against Frankfurt in 2022 and in the play-offs against Manchester United the following year.