On January 27, after a 5-3 home defeat against Villarreal, Xavi made his future departure from FC Barcelona official. “I would like to announce that on June 30, I will no longer continue as coach of Barça. I think the situation needs to change course and, as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation”. An announcement that may have surprised in terms of timing, but not in substance. Since taking the reins of Barça, Xavi certainly won the championship last year, but this 2023/2024 season is much more complicated. Between disappointing sporting results, unconvincing play and difficult relationships with his superiors, the 2010 world champion was clearly in the hot seat despite a contract running until 2025.
But this Tuesday, El Chiringuito reveals that the Xavi clan has dropped a little bombshell: the Spanish technician could reverse his decision! There was no conversation between the Culé coach and Laporta, but Xavi’s entourage sowed doubt. He confirmed that the former midfielder’s decision had been made, but added that in 2014, while he was still a player, Xavi announced his departure from Barça at the end of the season, before Luis Enrique succeeds in changing his mind. A decision which allowed the native of Terrassa to achieve the extraordinary hat-trick in 2015. “In football, you never know”the Xavi clan would have concluded.
An about-face under conditions
What suggests an incredible turnaround? Nothing is less certain, because several planets would have to be aligned. One of the first conditions would be the return of Jordi Cruyff. The son of the Batavian legend was recruited in 2021 by Joan Laporta as a technical advisor before packing up last season. A departure which had isolated Xavi a little more, to whom he was close. Finally, the second condition is even more complicated.
The Spanish media assures that Laporta would have to decide to part ways with Deco. Officially appointed sporting director of the Blaugranas on August 16, 2023, the former midfielder is clearly not an ally of Xavi. The two men have a difficult relationship and this was seen during the transfer window. Now Deco is planning Barca’s future without Xavi and he has Laporta’s full support. It is therefore difficult to see the trend reversing, even if technically, Xavi still has one year of contract to honor.
