Xavi to stay as Barcelona coach
Xavi Hernandez reversed his decision to leave Barcelona at the end of season, and will stay on as head coach.
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Xavi to stay in Barcelona
Xavi, 44, had a meeting with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and board members on Wednesday.
Reports stated that Xavi will stay until his contract ends in 2025.
Barcelona vice president Rafa Yuste confirmed the agreement after exiting Laporta’s home.
“Xavi will stay, he’s really happy and excited,” Yuste said.
“We had a meeting with the coach and the president in which Xavi showed us his commitment. “He is a Barça guy, he is the coach who can lead our project and our young players from the club. I am convinced that he will do a great job, I am very happy for him because he is a great ‘culé.”
The former Spain international announced in January that he would resign as Barcelona’s manager following their struggles.
The 5-3 home loss to Villareal prompted Xavi to make the announcement.
However, Barcelona won 13 straight games in all competitions.
That streak ended when Barca lost 4-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarterfinal stage.
Blaugrana also lost their El Clasico match against Real Madrid, 3-2, on Sunday.
The Catalan giants are second in the table, 11 points behind Madrid.
Still, it didn’t affect Laporta and Yuste’s stance to convince Xavi to make a dramatic U-turn.
“I am happy [with Xavi staying] because I always defended the continuity of the project he started two-and-a-half years ago.”
“We have not talked [in the meeting] about changes in our team at all. Xavi has shown his enthusiasm and we must support him and his staff to continue with this project.”
Barca legend
Xavi took over the coaching position in November 2021.
The former Barca midfielder led the club to their first LaLiga title in four years last season.
Laporta previously hinted that the club will convince Xavi to remain in Barcelona.
Barcelona is expected to make a formal announcement soon.
