Xavi confirms his departure from Barcelona at the end of the season

Barcelona coach Xavi has confirmed that he still stands by his decision to stop being the team’s coach at the end of the season.

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Xavi Hernandez, who announced on January 27 that he would leave Barcelona at the end of this season, avoided such categorical statements on Saturday when asked whether he stood by his decision.

“Nothing has changed today,” he expressed more ambiguously than definitely, repeating that for now “everything is the same,” but avoiding, as in previous weeks, confirming that whatever happens between now and the end of the course , his determination leaves the Barça bench non-negotiable.

The Catalan coach, whose contract expires in June 2025, said after the defeat to Villarreal that there was no turning back after his departure and that he made the decision “a long time ago”, saying nothing would make him change his mind. “Nothing will change,” he said at the time, in a speech that, after five weeks, has lost its coherence, although his words retain the same essence.

“We haven’t looked for a replacement for him yet… And we don’t know what will happen,” sporting director Deco wondered this week during an interview with Catalunya Ràdio, in which he left the door open to all options and Barcelona don’t know in March , at least publicly, who will be her coach next year.

“There are no changes today,” Xavi insisted, declaring that the announcement prompted changes in the team “because everyone has taken a step forward.” I notice that the team has become more responsible and competitive, more dynamic. “They are playing better and that was seen in February when I said we were leaving.”

However, there are those within the club who remain confident that a good end to the year, not necessarily crowned by winning titles, could force Xavi to allow himself to be persuaded by Joan Laporte, who, although not the best on his field. godfather Ahead of his arrival on the bench in November 2021, he now offers him undeniable support and both agree that they have a great relationship.

Since that defeat to Villarreal prompted the manager’s announcement, Barcelona have gone six games unbeaten (four wins and two draws) and added 13 of their last 15 league points to which more faith continues to cling. logic. Still looking at Real Madrid from afar, but not giving up, because “as long as there are options, we will fight them”, according to Xavi, whose “delayed” retirement may, who knows, change.