XAVI TO CONTINUE AS FC BARCELONA MANAGER BEYOND 2023-2024 SEASON: JOAN LAPORTA
FC Barcelona president, Joan Laporta has confirmed that Xavi Hernandez will continue as the team manager beyond the ongoing 2023-2024 season, during a press conference held at the club headquarters in the Camp Nou stadium on April 25. Having previously announced his decision to step down from the managerial role in January, Xavi has ultimately made a dramatic U-turn on his call following a lengthy discussion with Laporta and the rest of the board members the previous night. Despite their dismal form throughout all competitions in this season, Laporta explained the FC Barcelona board's decision to keep their faith in the Spaniard.
Having already been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona's silverware hopes in the 2023-2024 season took a big hit after their 3-2 loss to their long-rivals Real Madrid on April 22 in La Liga. Xavi, who guided the Blaugrana to the league title in 2022-23, has not been able to replicate the same performance from his side this season, who stand second in the points table and trail Real Madrid at the top by a massive 11-point margin. Adding to their dismal tally this season, Xavi's previous announcement of leaving the club left a lot of fans in shock.
"We know that he made some statements in the middle of the season, but today we have the good news that he is staying, and he has conveyed to me the enthusiasm and confidence he has in the project," Laporta said.Â
In the same press conference, Xavi went on to explain his decision to continue at the club, highlighting his long-term support for FC Barcelona, ranging from his days of playing at the club to coaching them in major tournaments across Europe and beconme a fan-favourite himself.
"I'm a huge Barça fan. I have a high level of trust with the president and the board of directors. The complicity and support of the players has also been key...I think this is what's best for the Club," Xavi said.Â
The Spanish football heavyweights will be looking to take the much-needed confidence from this announcement and amp up their preparations for a more positive 2024-2025 season. FC Barcelona's upcoming challenge comes in their fixture against Valencia on April 30 in La Liga.
2024-04-25T13:03:48Z dg43tfdfdgfd