Barcelona President Joan Laporta has reiterated his desire for Xavi Hernandez to continue as manager for the upcoming season, notwithstanding Xavi’s previous announcement of departure at the season’s end.
Laporta hinted that the issue remains unresolved. Xavi has consistently stated that his decision stands, though he has occasionally appended the phrase “up until now.”
RELATED STORIES: Barcelona economic woes deepens, vice president resigns.
Speculation persists regarding a potential change of heart, despite Xavi’s assertion that he reached his decision in December.
In an interview with MD, Laporta elaborated on communicating his intentions to Xavi.
“Yes, yes, yes, yes, he already knows it, but he notices it. I would like him to continue, but I already told him at the time, when he said about the pressure, that here we are always under pressure with the experience you have… I asked him if there was any way he could change his mind, but I saw him dealing with an insurmountable pressure that could be seen on his face, so I told him to relax if he saw it that way.”
“He keeps saying that at the end of the season he would leave as we have agreed, but we’ll see. Let’s not put that pressure on ourselves because at the moment being with this formula works. Therefore, we can still say no, no, no, and…”
He later mentioned that they hadn’t conversed with any coaches, including Luis Enrique, whom he admired. Laporta was also questioned about whether he would urge Xavi to remain at the end of the season.
“Depending on how the season goes, he already knows. And he has the motivation that he wants to win to finish this stage with glory, or in order to think about it or continue.”
Before Xavi’s announcement, Barcelona appeared to be considering dismissing him, following a series of disappointing results culminating in a 5-3 loss to Villarreal.
Several potential replacements have been mentioned, but few are probably willing to tolerate such a high level of institutional stability, and their ability to make significant decisions or changes is likely to be restricted.
