It looks like FC Barcelona can end their search for a new manager. At the beginning of 2024, Xavi Hernandez came out with a statement that he’d be leaving the Catalan club at the end of the 2023-24 season. However, as per recent developments, the Spaniard is set to stay at the club for the foreseeable future.
After winning the LA Liga last session, Barca fans worldwide were confident about taking the next step and doing well in Europe. They did manage to accomplish that as Barcelona’s Champions League run lasted till the quarter-finals. However, they crashed out to PSG when Kylian scored a brace to hand the French side a 4-6 victory. After that, Barcelona suffered another major loss in hopes of retaining the league title.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Xavi has decided to STAY at Barcelona until 2025!
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 24, 2024
Decision made. 🤝
(Source: @ffpolo) pic.twitter.com/SCuWqf40Cv
After the UCL defeat, FCB traveled to Santiago Bernabeu to take on their nemesis Real Madrid. Although they took the lead twice through a 6th-minute Andreas Christensen goal and another 69th-minute banger by Fermin Lopez. However, goals from Vini Jr, Lucas Vasquez, and Jude Bellingham won the game for the Los Blancos. After the loss, it seemed a guarantee that Xavi would be leaving. However, that is no longer the case.
Xavi Hernandez changes his mind about leaving FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona has been linked with quite a few managers recently such as Thomas Tuchel, Hansi Flick, and more. However, after Culers beat Napoli in the round of 16, the mood around the club started to change. Reports started emerging that the club President Joan Laporta wanted Xavi Hernandez to stay in the club. Although the former Barca midfielder initially wanted to stick to his decision about leaving the club initially, that is no longer the case.
According to a recent report from soccer insider Fabrizio Romano, Xavi had a meeting with Laporta on April 25, 2024. The meeting was reportedly fruitful and the 44-year-old has reportedly “accepted” the conditions from the club and will continue to manage the club. Romano also added that a formal announcement will soon follow from the club to make the decision official. It will be interesting to see what Xavi himself has to say about it.
Fans are not impressed with Barcelona’s decision to continue with Xavi
A section of the Barcelona fans will certainly be happy with the decision. After the tumultuous years of Ronald Koeman, Xavi Hernandez came into the club, stabilized the ship, and led the club to the LA Liga title. On top of that, he also won the Supercopa last season as well. However, there is another point of view where a different section of fans point out that Barcelona may go the 2023-24 season without a trophy. So the feelings amongst the fan base are quite mixed.
Here are some reactions on the matter
More trophyless seasons to come
— Trey (@UTDTrey) April 24, 2024
Real Madrid fans wish has come true 🙏 pic.twitter.com/tZ90xdIyXp
— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) April 24, 2024
Love to see it
— Berneese (@the_berneese_) April 24, 2024
Atleast he won 4 El Classico without robberies
— ACE (fan) (@FCB_ACEE) April 24, 2024
A coach that puts his emotions first will never be a great coach
— Slay Jimmy 🦍 (@slay_jimmy) April 24, 2024
As a Madrid fan this is the best news ever 😭😭
— Dani (@Danizeh) April 24, 2024
Barca are currently 11 points behind Real Madrid on the LA Liga points table. Can the recent news push the Barcelona players to end the season on a high note? Only time will tell.