In a surprising development, Barcelona’s manager Xavi may reconsider his decision and remain with the team, despite earlier statements indicating his departure.
Previously, in January, the 44-year-old manager announced his intention to resign from his position after a 5-3 loss to Villarreal at the Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys.
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In his post-match press conference, the ex-Spain midfielder said: “I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barça. I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation.”
Speculation has been rife about Xavi’s successor at Barcelona; however, following his departure announcement, the team has gone on a remarkable 12-match winning streak across all tournaments.
Currently holding second place in La Liga and poised to enter the Champions League semi-finals after a notable 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, there’s buzz that Xavi might reconsider his decision to leave the Blaugrana.
According to Fernando Polo from Mundo Deportivo, there’s a possibility that Xavi will continue his tenure. Both President Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco are eager for him to stay, but Xavi’s final decision is contingent upon fulfilling two major conditions.
Firstly, he seeks a guarantee against any major exits from his team, despite the club’s publicized financial challenges.
Moreover, Xavi reportedly demands “substantial” reinforcements to bolster his squad for the future.
Names like Martin Zubimendi, Joshua Kimmich, and Bernardo Silva have been mentioned as possible acquisitions for the summer.
Laporta has been openly working to convince Xavi to remain at the helm and remains optimistic about achieving this goal.
Speaking to the same publication, he said: “I told him: we respect the fact that you’re here until the end of the season. It’s your decision.
“We’re doing well, we’re getting better and better. Look, since he’s said it, he’s won again and we’re winking at each other as if to say something can happen here. It’s going like this, it’s going better [than before] and the objectives are achieved”.
