Xavi to stay as Barca coach in dramatic U
FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has reversed his decision to step down as first team coach at the end of the current season and will now see out his contract until the end of June 2025.
Barcelona's head coach Xavi Hernandez reacts before a La Liga football match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona in Valencia, Spain, Dec. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Str)
Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste confirmed the news late on Wednesday night outside the home of the club's president Joan Laporta following a meeting with Xavi.
"Xavi will stay, he's really happy and excited," Yuste told waiting journalists, before insisting the club had "never opened talks with any other coach."
Earlier on Wednesday, Xavi held face-to-face talks with Laporta and Barcelona's sporting director Deco in which he indicated he had changed his mind from the decision he made in January.
Xavi stunned Barcelona when he commented after a 5-3 defeat at home to Villarreal that he would step down at the end of this season. He said one reason for his decision was to try and spark a reaction in his squad, while also talking about the pressures of the job at FC Barcelona.
Xavi said the club needs a "change of direction," and said he felt there was "a lack of respect, you feel that your work is not appreciated."
The coach's announcement saw a slight upturn in form, with the club moving into second place in La Liga and reaching the quarterfinals in the UEFA Champions League, before being knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain. Although the 4-1 defeat in the second leg was a big disappointment, the team did fulfill the club's budget requirements by reaching the last eight.
Barcelona reportedly had several candidates to replace Xavi, including B-team coach Rafael Marquez, who has helped nurture young talents such as Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi.
Related articles
Sports betting roundup: Xander Schauffele's final putt pays off for bettors
Xander Schauffele entered the PGA Championship with +1400 odds to win at BetMGM Sportsbook.That turn2024-05-21Bayern faces uncertain future and tough transfer decisions after losing the Bundesliga title
DUESSELDORF, Germany (AP) — Three of Bayern Munich’s senior figures did something Sunday that no one2024-05-21Wang and Hsieh Clinch Women's Doubles Title at Roland Garros
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-21Paris 2024 unveils volunteer uniforms
President of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Organizing Committee Tony Estanguet (C) attends the Games&2024-05-21The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
A university boss has been praised after telling a pro-Gaza student mob he will not meet them until2024-05-21Astronaut Mother Sends Wishes to Her Children
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-21
atest comment