The Xavi soap opera is over. The legendary Barça and La Roja midfielder will still be FC Barcelona coach next season. Information revealed Wednesday evening by a number of Catalan media, then confirmed by the principal concerned and by its president Joan Laporta during a press conference organized at Camp Nou this Thursday. The two men took the opportunity to explain this turnaround, since Xavi had clearly suggested that he was going to leave at the end of the season, and his recent media outings also went in this direction.
This Thursday, both Joan Laporta and Xavi gave the reasons which pushed the coach and the club to continue the joint adventure. “In my experience, stability is one of the keys to success. I have always focused on continuity. Then, there is another reason: Xavi is an undeniable culé. We are part of a common feeling, and when we analyzed we saw that he is a coach who always thinks about what is best for the club. It was clear to us. Our project requires stability. Young players need a reference and Xavi is that for them. I am very happy. Xavi is unanimous, he has everyone’s trust. He had the courage to take on Barça in a difficult moment and we remember it. This year we did not achieve our goals, but we are convinced that it is the best decision”launched the president.
Xavi is confident he can lead Barça to the top
He clearly insisted on one point: it is a decision supported by everyone internally at Barcelona, contrary to what some media claimed this Thursday, the latter explaining that many managers were against the continuity of Xavi. The former Barça number 6 then spoke. “I’m a club man. The most important thing is to think about the institution. We met with the president yesterday, and I let him decide. I have his trust, that of Deco, of the other managers… The support of the players has also been very important. They made me understand that I must continue. This project is not finished, even if we do not win a title this season. The supporters also made me understand that I must continue. And above all, I have the capacity. Yesterday we talked and we found common ground in 3 minutes”said the coach.
He was also questioned about the reasons which initially pushed him to leave: “When I made the decision a few months ago, it was for the good of the club. I thought it was best for the group, but circumstances changed. I believe it was a correct decision, we needed a change of direction at that time. But now I feel the opposite, I have the strength and energy to continue”. The message has been sent, and it is on the ground that we will have to prove it!
