MX23RW : Sunday, December 22 20:27:47| >> :120:7898:7898:

Xavi 'hopes he will be missed' when he leaves Barcelona

Xavi 'hopes he will be missed' when he leaves Barcelona
© Reuters
Xavi hopes to be given the time to make a lasting impression as Barcelona boss amid the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Xavi has said that he is hopeful of being given the time to make a lasting impression as Barcelona boss amid fresh speculation surrounding his future at Camp Nou.

The 44-year-old's job was called into question following the 4-1 defeat against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, and there have been more rumours since Wednesday's 4-2 loss at Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-final stage of the Copa del Rey.

Barcelona remain active in two competitions, preparing to resume their La Liga campaign against Villarreal on Saturday, while they will face Napoli in the last-16 stage of the Champions League.

Xavi has insisted that he is "calm" amid the talk surrounding his future, and he is hopeful that he will "be missed" when he does eventually leave his role as head coach.

"We're talking about my continuity since July, since we lost a friendly against Arsenal. I'm calm, we are doing a good job, really. I live in a different reality than yours. We can still have a good season," Xavi told reporters during Friday's press conference.

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on January 14, 2024© Reuters

"I have been in charge for two and a half years. I believe my time remaining in this role is shorter rather than longer than that. [Pep] Guardiola spent four years winning. Luis Enrique, three years winning. One day I will leave, don't worry.

"I don't know if I'm being judged unfairly or not. Here we value people when they leave. Now the work of [Ernesto] Valverde and [Ronald] Koeman is valued... [Sergio] Busquets, too. I hope that I will also be missed."

Xavi also said that he is looking for 'a reaction' from his side following the extra-time loss to Athletic last time out.

"Villarreal are not doing very well, but Marcelino's teams are always prepared. We have to react after the game in Bilbao. I think we competed well, with pride, and if we play like on that day, we will be able to win many games," he added.

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on November 4, 2023© Reuters

Xavi also detailed the importance of Joao Cancelo's return to action, with the Portugal international expected to feature against Villarreal after being an unused substitute against Athletic.

"I'm delighted to have Cancelo in the squad. He's a great professional and a great person. It hurts him not to be able to help us, he's very eager. In addition to his sporting quality, I highlight his human quality," he added.

However, Alejandro Balde is facing a lengthy spell out with a thigh problem, and the Spaniard could potentially undergo an operation which would rule him out for the rest of the campaign.

Barcelona are third in the La Liga table, eight points behind the leaders Girona, but they have been victorious in each of their last three matches in Spain's top flight.

ID:535006:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4429:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Xavi

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona coach Xavi before the match on December 10, 2023
Read Next:
Xavi admits Barcelona "didn't want" to draw Athletic Bilbao
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Lions
@
Bears
6pm
Browns
@
Bengals
6pm
Patriots
@
Bills
6pm
Titans
@
Colts
6pm
Giants
@
Falcons
6pm
Rams
@
Jets
6pm
Cardinals
@
Panthers
6pm
Eagles
@
Washington
9.05pm
Vikings
@
Seahawks
9.25pm
49ers
@
Dolphins
9.25pm
Jags
@
Raiders
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
2Real Madrid18124241182340
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Osasuna186752327-425
10Celta Vigo187382728-124
11Real BetisBetis176652021-124
12Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
13Sevilla186482027-722
14Rayo Vallecano175661920-121
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!