Barcelona are reportedly not contemplating dismissing Xavi despite their challenging start to the 2023-24 season.
The Catalan side exited the Copa del Rey on Wednesday following a 4-2 loss to Athletic Bilbao.
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They now trail Girona by eight points at the summit of the LaLiga table and currently hold the third position in the Spanish top-flight.
Barcelona also recently endured a 4-1 defeat to rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, intensifying the pressure on manager Xavi, amid reports suggesting he has been ‘losing the dressing room’.
However, as per SPORT, the LaLiga champions are hesitant to part with their manager, who took over from former boss Ronald Koeman in 2021.
The Spanish outlet reports that the club aims to maintain stability to sustain their competitiveness at the highest level.
Additionally, it is understood that club president Joan Laporta is not inclined to make impulsive decisions regarding Xavi’s future.
SPORT adds: ‘as long as the team is in the Champions League positions and the chances of winning are kept alive, Xavi will continue in office.’
Even though Barcelona experienced an exit from the Cup, they retain the opportunity to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Xavi’s team is scheduled to face Napoli in the Round of 16.
The first leg of this encounter is slated for February 21 in Naples, followed by the return fixture on March 12.
Xavi, who amassed 767 appearances for Barcelona in his playing career, has also shared insights into the conditions that would lead him to step down.
‘If we are not competing at the end of the season, then I will have to leave,’ Xavi said to reporters following their defeat by Athletic Bilbao.
‘But that does not just go for me, it goes for all coaches. This is a big club. This is Barca. I know where I am and the demands that exist. We have to win trophies – or at least compete for them.’
On Saturday, the Blaugrana will proceed with their league campaign by facing Villarreal, a team that has secured victory only once in their last five LaLiga matches.
