Before Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Almeria, multiple sources reported that Xavi Hernandez could be sacked as early as next week, despite only recently committing his future to the club for another season.
Joan Laporta has reportedly been left furious with Xavi’s recent comments on Barcelona’s financial situation, and with members of the board not keen for the 44-year-old to stay on as manager, the matter could come to a head in the coming weeks.
Speaking after the victory over Almeria (via Diario AS), Xavi addressed the speculation surrounding his future as head coach.
“I said what I think. The economic situation is not the best. But we will still aspire to the maximum. I’m looking forward to next season to win titles.
“They (the board) haven’t said anything to me personally. The sports vice-president travelled with us. I only said what is real, that we are going to fight for all the titles, with ambition, but that the situation is not easy. It doesn’t change our reality.”
There’s likely to be further reports emerging on this story in the coming days, but it is an utterly bizarre situation coming out of Barcelona, especially considering Laporta was at the front of the queue begging Xavi to stay on only a few weeks ago. It remains to be seen how this progresses.