Even though Barcelona has secured back-to-back victories against Real Sociedad and Almeria, the certainty of Xavi’s role as head coach remains in question.
Reports from RAC1 indicate that club president Joan Laporta is set to sever ties with Xavi when the season concludes, with plans to appoint a new head coach for the forthcoming term.
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The ambiguity over Xavi’s tenure has intensified, especially after he postponed his resignation announcement in the wake of a crushing defeat by Villarreal.
Sources reveal that President Laporta has directed the Sports Commission to commence the hunt for a successor to lead the team next season.
This directive was unexpectedly issued during a club meeting, as Laporta had initially planned to join the squad in Almeria but altered his itinerary at the last moment.
Laporta’s discontent is rooted in Xavi’s recent press briefing, where he highlighted the club’s budgetary limitations and the urgent need for reinforcements to remain competitive.
This stance was a departure from the positive outlook Xavi had previously shared at Laporta’s home, leading to Laporta’s decision to forgo the trip to Almeria.
Additional indicators of discord emerged when sports director Deco made an unforeseen trip to Portugal, possibly to negotiate with Porto’s Sergio Conceicao regarding a coaching role.
Laporta’s advisors believe that the team would benefit from a new coach who can bring a fresh perspective and vigor, attributes they consider Xavi to be lacking.
Moreover, Xavi’s management of the Vitor Roque situation has drawn scrutiny. He reportedly pressed for Roque’s immediate transfer, which contradicted the club’s strategic timeline.
It is believed that Xavi insisted on Roque joining in January, despite the technical department’s intention to schedule his arrival for the subsequent summer.
The lack of communication from the club officials who traveled with the team to Almeria further fuels the rumors about Xavi’s impending departure.
As the speculation mounts, other coaching figures like Hansi Flick and Rafa Marquez are also being discussed as possible successors, adding to the prevailing uncertainty of Barcelona’s coaching future.
