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Deco: 'Door is open for Xavi to continue as Barcelona manager'

Deco: 'Door is open for Xavi to continue as Barcelona manager'
© Reuters
Barcelona sporting director Deco says that the club are open to Xavi remaining as head coach beyond the end of the season.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has insisted that the club are open to Xavi remaining as head coach beyond the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

At the end of January, following a 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal, Xavi announced that he would be standing down as manager this summer, claiming that the club "needs a change of dynamic".

Barcelona's form since his announcement has been excellent, though, winning seven of their 10 matches in all competitions, remaining unbeaten in the process.

Xavi has said on multiple occasions in recent weeks that he is standing by his decision to leave this summer.

However, Deco has said that the door remains open for the club's legendary former midfielder to stay, with Barcelona yet to hold any discussions with a potential new head coach.

FC Barcelona sporting director Deco speaks during the board meeting on September 13, 2023© Reuters

"Xavi keeps telling us that his decision is irreversible. If something changes, he has to talk to us. If he tells us he wants to continue, we should talk to him," Deco told Que T'hi Jugues.

"I didn't want Xavi to leave at the end of the season. If there is a coach with courage and who has never complained, it is Xavi.

"He is always positive, it is a luxury to work with him. He will leave for history a Barca that rebuilt itself.

"Barcelona has not made any move with any coach. We haven't spoken to anyone, but we know who is available and we are paying attention."

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique on December 13, 2023© Reuters

Luis Enrique, who is currently in charge of Paris Saint-Germain, has been linked with a return to Camp Nou as Xavi's replacement.

The Spaniard managed Barcelona between 2014 and 2017, winning two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey crowns and the Champions League during a successful spell, and Deco said that he 'really likes' the 53-year-old when asked about a possible return this summer.

"Luis Enrique? I really like him. He is a reference at all levels, as a coach, manager and as a person. He has all the things of a top coach," he added.

Former Bayern Munich and Germany head coach Hansi Flick is also allegedly being considered by Barcelona, while Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Brighton & Hove Albion's Roberto De Zerbi continue to be linked with the role.

Barcelona, who won 3-0 at Atletico Madrid on Sunday, are currently second in the La Liga table, eight points behind the leaders Real Madrid, while they will take on PSG in the quarter-finals of the Champions League next month.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad145361111018
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
14Leganes143561319-614
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


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