Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has now changed his initial decision to leave the club at the end of the season, and will be in charge next season.
The former midfielder has endured a tough season as Barcelona faced disappointments in La Liga, the Copa Del Rey and the Champions League, and he announced his intention to step down from the role at the end of the season.
Xavi was one of Barcelona’s biggest legends after his outstanding playing career, and he did win La Liga as a manager last season, but it appeared that his time at the club would come to an end.
However, he has now confirmed that he will stay for next season, and President Joan Laporta seemed delighted with his decision despite it coming after back-to-back defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Xavi Hernandez explains decision to stay at Barcelona
Speaking via The Athletic after confirming his decision, Xavi explained his desire to continue his project at the club.
“I believe this is an unfinished project. We have to continue working on it and I have the strength to do it. I think it’s the best decision for the club,” he explained.
“I’m a huge Barca fan. I have a high level of trust with the president and the board of directors. The support of the players has also been key. I want to thank them for their love and support.”
“Many people, including my players, have made me see that this is not over.”
Why Xavi initially wanted to leave Barcelona
The Barcelona job is currently one of the toughest in football, given the high expectations on the pitch, and the financial chaos currently limiting spending.
Xavi was buckling under the pressure of the job, and he was not helped by the circumstances around him. He lost two trusted servants in Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the summer, without the spending power to replace them.
“I think it was necessary for the sake of the club. Now it might look like the wrong choice, because I feel exactly the opposite to how I felt months ago. I’m recharged and full of desire,” he stated of his initial decision.
“I’ve given my word to the president that I will continue whatever happens now. If they decide that’s not what they want I’ll accept it, too.”
Xavi has helped develop some top young talents, but has also had to deal with long-term injuries to Alejandro Balde and Gavi, and whilst some of the criticism towards him may have been justified, he was placed in a very unenviable position.
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