Xavi Makes U-Turn: Agrees to Stay as Barcelona Coach Until 2025
Xavi Hernández, Barcelona’s current coach, has reversed his previous decision to step down at the end of the season. A source confirmed this change of plans to ESPN.
Dramatic Shift After Initial Announcement
In January, following a series of disappointing results, 44-year-old Xavi announced his intention to leave the post. The pressure of the job had also taken a mental toll on him.
From Stepping Down to Fulfilling Commitment
However, things took a turn after a meeting with club president Joan Laporta on Wednesday. The former Spanish international has decided to honor his contractual commitment with the Catalan club, fulfilling his duties as coach until the end of his contract in 2025.
Recent History: A Rollercoaster of Results
Xavi was appointed as Barcelona’s coach in 2021. He led the team to their first league title in four years last season, a success that was followed by a contract extension in September 2023. This extension secured his position as coach until June 30th, 2025, with the option for an additional year.
The team faced significant challenges in December and January. They suffered heavy defeats (conceding four or more goals each time) against Girona, Real Madrid, Athletic Club, and Villarreal. These losses resulted in their elimination from both the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey.
Rock Bottom and a Change of Heart
The 5-3 loss to Villarreal in January was a turning point. It prompted Xavi’s initial decision to leave but also sparked a turnaround in the team’s performance on the pitch.
During a subsequent 13-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, both Laporta and other key figures within the club, including vice president Rafa Yuste and sporting director Deco, expressed their desire for Xavi to stay on as coach.
This positive run came to an end last week with a crushing 4-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarterfinals. This loss marked the end of their Champions League run and their first failure to reach the semifinals since 2019.
Their struggles continued with a recent 3-2 El Clásico defeat to Real Madrid, leaving them a significant 11 points behind the La Liga leaders with only six games remaining in the season. Effectively, this loss puts them out of contention for the title race.
Barcelona’s Faith in Xavi Remains Unshaken
Despite these recent setbacks, sources informed ESPN that the club’s stance on Xavi remained unchanged. They held onto the hope that he would reverse his earlier decision.
Several factors contributed to Barcelona’s unwavering support for Xavi. In addition to the league title win and his commitment to developing young talent like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, the club’s financial situation also played a role in their desire to retain him.
The club had compiled a shortlist of potential replacements in case a new coach was required. This shortlist included Mexican international Rafa Márquez (currently managing Barcelona’s B team), as well as German coaches Hansi Flick and Thomas Tuchel.
However, on Wednesday, the board reaffirmed their preference for Xavi to continue. They convened to discuss the coaching situation, and a final agreement was reached later in the day during Xavi’s meeting with Laporta.
