Barcelona

Barcelona 'attempting to convince Xavi to stay as head coach'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 04 April 2024

Barcelona officials are allegedly attempting to convince Xavi to perform a U-turn on his decision to resign as head coach at the end of the season.

Barcelona are reportedly trying to convince Xavi to remain in his position as head coach.

Last season, the club legend guided the Catalan giants to the La Liga title, despite issues that have arisen with the club's financial situation.

However, it has been a different story this time around courtesy of a poor first half of the season, which subsequently led to the former midfielder announcing in January that he would step down at the end of 2023-24.

At the time, the decision divided opinion, Xavi working under more testing circumstances yet having overseen six defeats during December and January.

Since then, though, Barcelona's season has been salvaged on both the domestic and European front, with the storm clouds having moved away from Camp Nou, or their temporary home of the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.

Barcelona's Fermin Lopez celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on March 12, 2024 © Reuters

How have Barcelona performed since Villarreal defeat?

Losing 5-3 to Villarreal made it nine goals conceded in two games, but Barcelona have since put together an 11-match undefeated streak in all competitions.

A total of eight wins and three draws have been posted, with the backline conceding just seven times, while Xavi's side have outperformed Real Madrid over the past nine league games.

Although that is by just the two points, Barcelona have recorded a significant 10 points more than surprise package Girona, ensuring that they now sit second in the La Liga table.

With victory having also been registered over Napoli in the Champions League last 16, it appears that the powers-that-be behind the scenes are eager to tempt Xavi into a longer stay.

According to The Athletic, there is a desire of many key figures at Camp Nou to try to convince the 44-year-old to stay in his current role.

Barcelona manager Xavi on March 17, 2024 © Reuters

What are the reasons?

First and foremost, the significant improvement in performances has led to the recent push, with it being no secret that president Joan Laporta and vice-president Rafa Yuste would prefer not to change managers.

Nevertheless, the report also adds that a lack of suitable candidates and the money involved with requiring the services of a high-profile name is also part of their stance.

The likes of Hansi Flick and Thomas Tuchel - despite being out of work come the summer - are not viewed as realistic candidates, neither are managers with big release clauses.

Rafael Marquez - another club legend who is in charge of the second-string side - is noted as a possible replacement for Xavi courtesy of being no hindrance to the reduced salary cap that will soon be in place.

Barcelona are already working with the understanding that they need to substantially reduce their outgoings before the start of 2024-25.