Xavi Agrees to Remain Barcelona Coach in Dramatic U-turn

Xavi will remain as coach of Barcelona, the Spanish giants told AFP on Wednesday, despite having announced in January that he planned to quit at the end of the season due to the “cruel and unpleasant” nature of the job.

Spanish media reported that the 44-year-old, who had signed a contract extension until 2025 last autumn, decided on his dramatic change of mind after a day of meetings with club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco.

Barcelona, who have struggled with financial issues in recent seasons, appointed Xavi as boss in November 2021, and he helped turn their fortunes around, lifting the league title last term.

Barcelona vice president Rafa Yuste appeared to confirm the agreement when exiting the meeting late Wednesday night.

“We had a meeting with the coach and the president in which Xavi showed us his commitment,” he told reporters. “He is a Barça guy, he is the coach who can lead our project and our young players from the club. I am convinced that he will do an impressive job, I am pleased for him because he is a great ‘culé.’

“I am happy [with Xavi staying] because I always defended the continuity of the project he started two-and-a-half years ago.

“We have not talked [in the meeting] about changes in our team at all. Xavi has shown his enthusiasm, and we must support him and his staff to continue with this project.”