Xavi sets conditions to stay at Barcelona
The Spaniard had announced in January 2024 that he would quit on June 30
FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has set his conditions to continue as the club’s manager after announcing he would step down at the end of the season, reported Mundo Deportivo (MD) on Tuesday.
January was not a good month for Barcelona as the Catalan giants crashed out of two tournaments, the Spanish Super Cup after a loss to Real Madrid and then Copa del Rey (CDR) after losing to Athletic Club.
Not soon after their defeat in CDR, they lost to Villarreal at home after which Xavi announced that he would leave once the season ended as it would be “the best” for the team.
However, ever since announcing that he would quit, Barcelona picked up form and are on an 11-match unbeaten streak as their last defeat came against Villarreal on January 27.
As per MD, the reasons behind Xavi’s change of mind are the change in results and consistency of the team as the Bluagrana qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2020, and the introduction of youngsters like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi in the team.
However, despite positive results recently, Xavi wants Barcelona to give him two top signings if he is to continue at the club in the future. Including the direct replacement of Sergio Busquets, who left the club last season.
Currently eight points behind Real Madrid in La Liga, Xavi’s decision to stay at the club would also depend on where they finish at the end of the season as the Spaniard is determined to fight with Los Blancos for the league title till the very end.
Another factor that would play a key part in Xavi’s decision to stay is if Barcelona reach the Champions League semi-finals after beating Paris Saint-Germain in the quarters. However, even if all goes accordingly, the former midfielder would still not want a team relying heavily on teenagers for next season and would demand immediate signings.
Barcelona’s current financial conditions would make it difficult for them to fulfil Xavi’s demand of signing two to three top players as there will not be many free agents available and the Blaugrana does not have the money to sign players.
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