In a stunning about-face, Xavi is expected to stay as Barcelona’s coach

Although Xavi had said in January that he intended to step down at the conclusion of the season because of the “cruel and unpleasant” nature of his work, the Spanish powerhouses confirmed to AFP on Wednesday that Xavi will stay as coach of Barcelona.

The 44-year-old, who had last fall signed a contract extension until 2025, abruptly changed his mind, according to Spanish media, after a day of discussions with Deco, the sports director, and club president Joan Laporta.

Xavi’s choice was made only one week after Paris Saint-Germain eliminated Barcelona from the Champions League in the quarterfinals.

After losing 3-2 to their fierce rivals in the Clasico, the reigning champions in La Liga now trail Real Madrid by 11 points in the battle for the championship.

When he decided to step down, former Barcelona player Xavi claimed he felt “liberated.”

Although he acknowledged that the position was finally too much for him, he had said time and time again that the job was his “dream.”

“You are constantly led to believe that you are inadequate,” he stated during an unexpected 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal.

“Every coach experienced it: Pep Guardiola informed me, Ernesto Valverde experienced it, and I witnessed Luis Enrique’s suffering.”

“You frequently feel there is a lack of respect and you feel that your work is not appreciated,” he said. It depletes your energy and wears you out mentally, physically, and emotionally. Although I consider myself to be a positive person, there comes a point when you say something doesn’t make sense. There is no reason to go on.

After Xavi was named manager of Barcelona in November 2021, the team, who had been struggling financially, was able to turn things around and win the league championship the previous season.

However, they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Athletic Bilbao and defeated 4-1 by Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup this season.

He said in January that “the announcement liberated me on a personal level.”

“I am leaving my position as Barca coach as of June 30. As a supporter of Barcelona, I believe the team needs a new dynamic.

There haven’t been many experienced coaches associated with the position since Xavi declared his decision to quit at the conclusion of the season.

Rafael Marquez, a former defender who now coaches Barcelona B, was the only one seen to be a genuine possibility.

Roberto De Zerbi of Brighton and former Germany coach Hansi Flick were also connected.

Barcelona hasn’t had a great season, but the arrival of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi, and 20-year-old Fermin Lopez bodes well for the team’s future.