Xavi reportedly set to stay as Barcelona boss after reversing decision to leave

In January the 44-year-old announced he would be stepping down this summer.

Pa Sport Staff
Wednesday 24 April 2024 23:44 BST
Xavi in January had said he would be stepping down as Barcelona head coach this summer (Martin Rickett/PA)
Xavi in January had said he would be stepping down as Barcelona head coach this summer (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Xavi has changed his mind and decided to stay on as Barcelona head coach beyond the end of the season, according to reports in Spain.

In January the 44-year-old announced he would be stepping down this summer from the post he has held since November 2021.

But a u-turn has reportedly been performed, with Marca on Wednesday saying that following meetings with the members of the club hierarchy, Xavi is to honour the remaining year on his current contract and continue to manage the team in 2024-25.

Barca, LaLiga champions last term, are currently 11 points adrift of leaders Real Madrid in second place with six games left to play following a controversial El Clasico defeat last weekend.

Xavi made his announcement in January following a 5-3 home loss to Villarreal, saying that he felt the club needed “a change of dynamic”.

Since then Barca won eight and drew two of 10 league games before being beaten 3-2 by Real in Sunday’s showdown. That came five days on from them losing 6-4 on aggregate to Paris St Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Former Spain international Xavi, a 2010 World Cup winner, helped Barcelona to eight LaLiga titles and four Champions League triumphs during his time as a player.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in