The German media and fans did not expect that Tuchel would go and stay, and he would actually experience a double reversal of leaving, staying and confirming his departure in just 72 hours. Given the back-and-forth of attitudes on both sides, and despite Tuchel's words in yesterday's pre-match press conference, there is no guarantee that the narrative will not change again. It is not only Bayern and Tuchel who have also reversed, but Barcelona coach Xavi, who only announced his stay three weeks ago, has angered the "sensitive" Laporta, and the Barcelona president is considering sacking him at the end of the season.
Barcelona's away game against Almeria on Thursday night was supposed to be Xavi's 100th La Liga game in charge. Unexpectedly, the news came out on the sidelines, and at the press conference on Wednesday night, Xavi bluntly said that Barcelona's economic situation is not good, and it is difficult to compete with Real Madrid. He also gave an example that Barcelona is different now than it was 25 years ago, and that it is not the time for the coach to get any player he wants. Not only Xavi himself, but even the Western media did not expect that this remark would actually anger Laporta, and there were also heavyweights on the board of directors to pressure the chairman to fire Xavi.
Knowing that he may be "guilty for his words", Xavi immediately stressed that he is still planning for the new season with sporting director Deco, and that no Barca management has conveyed to him that he may be sacked. But things got worse yesterday with news coming out that Xavi was getting out at the end of the season. After Rac1 radio, ESPN, Spanish TV 6, Catalan media "World Sports" and "Daily Sport" also followed up on the report, Xavi's dismissal crisis has become the focus of attention of Barcelona fans around the world.
Kobe Radio reporter Navarro revealed yesterday that he saw Barcelona presidium member Masip, who is also Laporta's cronies and advisers, arrive at the office of the Barcelona president at the Camp Nou. Soon, more details of Laporta's feud with Xavi came to light.
It is said that before Xavi terminated his contract with Qatar Sadd in advance to coach Barcelona in 2021, Sadd wanted to get 10 million euros in compensation, and if he did not pay compensation, Laporta had to visit Qatar in person to show respect. As a result, Laporta did not go, and Xavi paid half of the compensation out of his own pocket, and at that time, Laporta promised to supply Xavi in the future, but at least not yet.
Barcelona FC has stated that the status quo remains unchanged for the time being, but there is no consensus within the board about Xavi's whereabouts. At the end of April, Laporta retained Xavi, first, the selection of the coach was frustrated, and several popular candidates failed; Second, Barcelona's economic situation is still not optimistic. Xavi is willing to stay because of his love for Barca, and the "reconciliation" agreement between the two sides is very fragile.
ESPN revealed that Laporta never trusted Xavi, and the Barcelona coach also believes that he will be the scapegoat if there is a fluctuation in the results.
Western media have begun to discuss Xavi's successor, Barcelona B team coach Marquez is still the first choice, he is not only a "Barcelona man" who is familiar with the team, but also has a low salary cost of coaching the first team; The second is Bayern coach Tuchel, who has repeatedly made headlines like Xavi, although Tuchel prefers to return to the Premier League, but he is also open to coaching Barcelona; In addition, former Bayern coach Flick is also among the discussants of the Western media, and his agent is Zahavi, who is familiar with Laporta, and has the advantage of "favors".
Of course, the selection of Barça's manager has not yet started, and all one can do is wait and wait for Laporta and the Barça board to regain their composure. It is not so simple to dismiss Xavi, who has one year left on his contract, and with the hiring of a new coach, Barcelona could pay as much as 20 million euros. Xavi is scheduled to meet with Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco early next week, and perhaps there will be another reversal at that time.