Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has consistently denied that he could change his mind and remain at the club beyond the summer, but the continual use of the phrase ‘a dia de hoy‘ – as of today – has meant the questions keep coming. Ahead of their clash with Atletico Madrid, Xavi admitted that he was part of the planning process for next season.
Xavi was first asked whether he felt he had vindicated himself on Wednesday night with a big result against Napoli, amid a constant battle with the press.
“I feel like it went well, but in the same way it could have gone wrong. If they had scored that header and levelled at two each, we would be talking differently. We always try to think of the best for the group, the other day everything went well. For me magical night in Montjuic, that’s what we focus on.”
Xavi: "I have absolute peace of mind when Koundé plays. He is decisive for the team and a guarantee. He defends very well and has improved in releasing the ball. He is perhaps in his best moment since arriving at Barça."
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 16, 2024
He was asked later on whether he was part of the strategy at the club for next season, alongside Sporting Director Deco and the Sporting Committee.
“I participate because I love this club. My decision does not change. I am a club man and I will do so in any situation that can help the club for next season.”
Yet he denied that he could be the one implementing the strategy once again.
“With the president, if we don’t talk every day we do it every two or three days. With Deco we see each other every day. He knows my position. As of today, nothing has changed.”
Xavi also denied that he was looking at opportunities with other teams.
“The intention is to stay until June 30 and in principle to rest.”
There is probably some appetite within the club for Xavi to continue on some level. Even if things look broken, Xavi would undoubtedly save Barcelona money by staying, and he remains a handy shield for criticism that could otherwise be aimed at President Joan Laporta if he were to move onto a new manager for the third time in his mandate, which just passed the three-year mark.
