Barcelona will act! After playing Real Madrid, they will have a showdown with Xavi: go OR stay and give a good word
After being eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, Barcelona's 2023-24 season is basically determined to be the end of the big four. Barcelona will begin preparations for next season, with the most important question being the choice of manager. On April 18, the "World Sports" revealed that next week, Barcelona will negotiate with Xavi, whether to go or stay, and the suspense will finally be revealed.
In La Liga at the end of January, Barcelona lost 3-5 to Villarreal. After the game, Xavi announced that he would no longer coach Barcelona after the end of the 2023-24 season. Originally, Xavi's contract with Barcelona expired in the summer of 2026, and his sudden decision caught the club off guard.
Over the past three months, Barcelona have wanted Xavi to change his mind. However, under the heavy task of the event, Barcelona president Laporta, sports director Deco and other giants did not discuss the matter face-to-face with Xavi. "World Sport" pointed out that Barcelona is about to start making action, and Xavi's future will be officially decided.
Specifically, Barcelona will convene this crucial meeting after Sunday's national derby (La Liga round 32, Real Madrid vs Barca). Barcelona president Joan Laporta, club vice-president Hust, sporting director Deco and other giants will all participate in the meeting.
Publicly, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has always stated that he wants Xavi to continue coaching. Under Xavi's leadership, young talents such as Yamal and Kubasi have emerged, and reaching the top 8 of the Champions League is also a qualified result. However, Xavi did not show the attitude of "retracting the decision to resign" for the time being.
"World Sport" said that in this meeting, Barcelona wanted to completely understand Xavi's attitude - whether to resign resolutely or work for another 1-2 years. With Xavi's words, Barcelona will be free to prepare for the 2024-25 season. If Xavi decides to leave, Barcelona will not force it and immediately start looking for a new manager.
Barça's Rafa Marquez is Xavi's favourite successor. With a low salary, familiar with Barça, the Mexican is recognized and affirmed by the management.
According to Le Monde Sport, Barcelona also wants to bring in top coaches such as Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain) and Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool, leaving next season), but these are unrealistic goals.