In late January, Barcelona’s manager Xavi surprised everyone with his announcement to depart the club at the end of the season, catching even Catalan administration off guard and gaining global attention.
Since Xavi’s revelation, Barcelona has enjoyed an impressive run of form, going unbeaten in eleven games. During this stretch, they have won eight matches and drawn three, a significant improvement from their previous performances.
Xavi cited his belief that he wasn’t the right person to lead the club forward as the reason for his resignation, partly fueled by the team’s struggles prior to his decision. However, his successful turnaround of the team’s fortunes has convinced Barcelona’s leadership that he is the ideal candidate to continue leading the team.
President Joan Laporta has actively campaigned for Xavi to reconsider his decision, expressing support for the coach in a recent interview. Vice-president Rafa Yuste and Sporting Director Deco have also advocated for Xavi’s contract extension, signaling the club’s commitment to his continued leadership.
Despite these efforts, Xavi remains firm in his decision to step down at the end of the season. However, pressure for him to reconsider isn’t limited to the administration. Players like Sergi Roberto and Robert Lewandowski have publicly supported the manager and shouldered responsibility for the team’s previous underwhelming performances.
This sentiment is shared throughout the locker room, with players of all levels advocating for Xavi’s retention. Given Xavi’s strong ties to the club, many believe he may find it difficult to refuse if Barcelona genuinely expresses the need for him to stay beyond this season.
Furthermore, Barcelona’s current inability to secure a suitable replacement for Xavi adds to the optimism regarding the possibility of his contract extension. As negotiations continue and pressure mounts from various quarters, the outcome remains uncertain, but the desire for Xavi to remain at Barcelona’s helm is evident.
