- Xavi was set to continue as Barca coach
- The manager allegedly talked himself into the mess
- Could be asked to leave at the end of the season
WHAT HAPPENED?
Just 23 days ago, Laporta and Xavi held a joint press conference where it was announced that the manager would honour his contract at Camp Nou and would not sever ties with the club at the end of the campaign, as he had wanted to do so back in January. However, Xavi’s comments to the press before facing Almeria have seemingly not gone down well with the club’s hierarchy, which has put his position at risk, according to RAC1.
WHAT XAVI SAID
When asked if Barcelona could compete for major silverware with their current squad, Xavi responded with noticeable scepticism.
“We are going to try to compete against Madrid. I think that the cule must understand that the situation is very difficult,” he had said.
“Above all, on an economic level. We have an economic situation that has nothing to do with 25 years ago, we can no longer go out and pick and say ‘I want this one, this one, and that one.’ We are not in the same conditions as other clubs with very advantageous economic situations.
“The Barcelona fans have to understand it. That does not mean that we do not want to compete, but that is Barca’s situation at the moment. We need stability and time, but we will try to compete.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The response reportedly angered Laporta, who felt that Xavi had reneged on their prior agreements. Laporta and the board believed that Xavi’s comments contradicted the confident and triumphant narrative he had shared just three weeks earlier, which had played a significant role in their decision to keep him on as head coach. Secondly, the board feels that despite significant efforts to strengthen the squad, Xavi has failed to maximize the potential of the new signings.
DID YOU KNOW?
Despite the uproar, Xavi maintained his composure in front of reporters after beating Almeria 2-0. When asked about the recent developments, he claimed that no one within the club had confronted him with the matter. Instead, he emphasised his excitement about planning for the next season alongside sporting director Deco.
“I am very excited. We are planning the next season with Deco with all the ambition to win titles, which is the main goal of the club,” Xavi stated, signalling a shift in tone.
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WHAT NEXT FOR XAVI?
As Barcelona looks to secure a second-place finish in La Liga, Xavi’s immediate focus will be on the remaining fixtures of the season. The team is set to face Rayo Vallecano on May 19, followed by a final match against Sevilla on May 25. The outcome of these matches could play a pivotal role in determining Xavi’s future with the club. As the season draws to a close, discussions between Xavi, Laporta, and the board will likely intensify, with the potential for significant changes if results do not meet expectations.
