Soccer

Xavi to stay on as Barcelona head coach after reversing decision to step down

Former midfielder who made over 500 appearances for the club had previously announced his intention to leave in January

FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta (L) and Barcelona's Spanish coach Xavi hug after a press conference. Photograph: Lluis Gene/AFP via Getty Images
FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta (L) and Barcelona's Spanish coach Xavi hug after a press conference. Photograph: Lluis Gene/AFP via Getty Images
Thu Apr 25 2024 - 14:03

Barcelona have confirmed Xavi is to stay on as head coach after re-thinking his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.

The 44-year-old, who made more than 500 appearances for Barca during a trophy-laden playing career, announced in January that he would step down, believing his team needed a “change of dynamic”.

However, reports emerged on Wednesday that he had performed a U-turn after meetings with the club’s hierarchy and his decision was confirmed by president Joan Laporta on Thursday.

Laporta told a press conference: “Today, I have the satisfaction of informing you that Xavi will continue as the coach of Barca. It’s great news that Xavi is staying.”

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Xavi, who replaced Ronald Koeman at the Nou Camp in November 2021 with Barca lying in ninth place in the LaLiga table, 11 points off the top and 10 behind arch-rivals Real Madrid, is contracted to the club until the summer of 2025.

He announced his decision to cut short his stay after a 5-3 home defeat by Villarreal on January 27, but then presided over an unbeaten run of 13 games in all competitions until a 4-1 home defeat by Paris St Germain ended their Champions League hopes at the quarter-final stage.

Barca currently sit second in the table, 11 points adrift of Madrid with six games to play, but with a bond which looked frayed now restored.

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Xavi said: “I’m a huge Barca fan. I have a high level of trust with the president and the board of directors. The complicity and support of the players has also been key.

“I think it’s the best for the club. We have many options for the project to remain a winner.”

Asked about the fans, he added: “They made me see that the project is not finished, especially the fans. I want to thank them for their support and love.”