According to a source confirmed to ESPN, Xavi Hernández has decided to continue as Barcelona coach until the end of his contract in 2025, despite initially planning to step down in the summer. In January, the 44-year-old Spanish International decided to step down from his position at the end of the season. He cited a series of disappointing results and the toll it had taken on his mental well-being as the reasons behind his departure.
After a meeting with President Joan Laporta on Wednesday, the former Spanish international chose to honor his contractual commitment to the Catalan club.
Xavi Hernández Agrees to Remain at Barcelona
Barcelona Vice President Rafa Yuste seemed to confirm the agreement as he exited the conference late Wednesday night.
“We had a meeting with the coach and the president in which Xavi showed us his commitment,” he told reporters. “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.’
“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.”
Xavi took charge as the coach of Barcelona in 2012 and guided them to their first league title in four years last season. He recently secured a contract extension until June 30, 2025, with a potential additional year, which was finalized in September.
In December and January, Barcelona faced challenges as they suffered defeats against Girona, Real Madrid, Athletic Club, and Villarreal, conceding four or more goals in each match. These losses resulted in their elimination from the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey. In January, Barcelona suffered a 5-3 defeat against Villarreal, a result that prompted Xavi to announce his departure in the summer. However, this setback also ignited a resurgence in their performance on the field.
Barcelona went 13 games without losing in all competitions. During that time, Laporta, Yuste, and Deco, the sports director, all said they wanted Xavi to continue. Last week, Barcelona lost 4–1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, ending their winning streak.
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Can Xavi Bring Glory Back to Barcelona?
Since Xavi said he was leaving at the end of the season, there haven’t been many experienced managers interested in the job. The only person who was really thought to be a serious candidate was Rafael Marquez, who coaches Barcelona’s B team. This would have been a serious issue for Barcelona, especially as rivals Real Madrid look to strengthen their squad.
Last year, Xavi led Barcelona to win the La Liga and the Supercopa de España. However, they may not win any trophies this year. Young players like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí have earned Xavi’s trust, which gives fans hope for the new season. Barça’s financial situation is unpleasant, and this might have played a role in the club’s desire to keep Xavi. If there is any manager who can bring glory back to Barcelona, it is definitely Xavi Hernandez, as the Spanish manager understands the culture of the club.
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