BARCELONA – Xavi Hernandez said on April 25 that he has decided to stay on as Barcelona coach for a “cocktail of reasons”, including support from key figures at the club and supporters.
In January, with Barcelona on a miserable run of form, the Spaniard said he would walk away from his post in the summer “for the good of the team” despite having a year left on his contract.
However this week, after a meeting with president Joan Laporta and the board, he pulled off a dramatic U-turn and decided to stay, despite the club poised to end the season trophyless.
Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain last week and lost to Real Madrid in the Clasico, trailing their rivals by 11 points in La Liga with six matches left.
“It was not a simple decision. In January, I said (I would leave) because I thought it was best for the club,” Xavi said.
“(Now) I am full of hope, these three months have made me change, the players believe in it, and wise people are willing to rectify, so here I am.
“It’s not about ego, or money... I have energy, I see the fans are happy and proud – it’s a cocktail of reasons, above all the confidence of the president and (sporting director) Deco.”
Xavi also said that, although the team he took to La Liga glory last season have failed to achieve their objectives, they have now proved they can equal Europe’s best sides.
Despite losing to PSG, they reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2020.
“I said yesterday to Deco, the president... that the team has improved a lot,” he explained.
“Two years ago, we went to Bayern (Munich) and I had the feeling that we weren’t up to it. Now I think we’re in shape to compete with the biggest teams in Europe.
“I have the feeling that this year (the Champions League) escaped us by just a couple of small things, we will try again.”
In January, the 44-year-old had claimed that coaching Barcelona was “unpleasant” and “cruel” due to all the pressure, and he said he did not expect that to change.
“Coaching here is very hard, but I see myself with the energy to keep leading the project,” he added.
Laporta said he was glad Xavi was staying and that it was good for the stability of the club.
“It’s great news that Xavi is staying. The team we have, with very young players, needs that stability,” he said.
“Xavi is a reference for young players and we can see that – today I’m especially pleased.” AFP
