Xavi bomb! Barcelona boss makes SHOCK U-turn

Tom Weber

Updated: 24 Apr 2024 22:47 BST
3 min read

Michel, Girona, Xavi Barcelona, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed FootballTransfers' reporting that Xavi has changed his mind on leaving Barcelona.

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In January, the Blaugrana boss announced his decision to quit his role as Barcelona head coach at the end of the current season after a humbling 5-3 defeat to Villarreal. Xavi's stunning announcement, however, appeared to flick a switch in the Barcelona squad.

Since then, results have improved and, prior to the narrow and controversial El Clasico loss to Real Madrid, Barcelona fans retained a slim hope of being able to still incredibly pip their hated rivals to the LaLiga title.

Despite the upturn in form, Xavi repeatedly asserted when speaking to the media that his mind won't be changed and that he will stick to his decision to depart in the summer.

However, at the beginning of April, FootballTransfers exclusively revealed that his exit was not actually set in stone yet despite his claims to the contrary. We were told that a U-turn was still possible and, in fact, becoming increasingly probable.

Xavi wanted guarantees from president Joan Laporta and he got them it seems.

Xavi's U-turn

According to Fabrizio Romano, Xavi had a meeting with Laporta and sporting director Deco earlier on Wednesday to discuss his future. When questioned on the manager, Laporta always told the media that he would try to convince the 44-year-old to stay on board. He has succeeded.

Though the Italian transfer expert claims that the initial discussion was fruitless, Xavi has now accepted Barcelona's proposal to continue as head coach beyond this season after another round of talks together with the Barcelona board at Laporta's house.

An official announcement is yet to be made but expected to come in the near future. Xavi's current contract expires in 2025. FootballTransfers revealed that Barcelona were desperate to keep Xavi due to their financial issues and because they believe that no available coach embodies their traditional style quite like the club legend.