Xavi: 'Champions League success will have no impact on my future'

Xavi has insisted that he will still stand down as Barcelona head coach this summer even if he is able to lead the Catalan outfit to Champions League success during the 2023-24 campaign.

The reigning La Liga champions booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the European competition on Tuesday evening courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Napoli in the second leg of their last-16 tie.

At the end of January, Xavi announced that he would be leaving Barcelona this summer, claiming that the club "needs a change of dynamic".

The Catalan outfit are unbeaten in their nine games in all competitions since the announcement, though, and there have been suggestions that the 44-year-old could reverse his decision.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has opened the door for Xavi to stay on as manager, while club president Joan Laporta is also thought to be pushing for the club's legendary former midfielder to remain.

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However, Xavi has said that it is "impossible" for him to change his mind, and he will be leaving this summer even if he is able to secure Champions League success.

"Right now, it's impossible for me to change my decision. I will leave the club at the end of the season," Xavi told reporters following the clash with Napoli.

"You keep on asking me if I will stay if we win the Champions League. No, I will not. My future will not change. My response will not change. I will leave at the end of the season."

Barcelona are currently on a seven-game unbeaten run in La Liga, winning five times in the process, which has left them third in the table, eight points behind the leaders Real Madrid.

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Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo said after the clash with Napoli that he is still hopeful Xavi could stay as head coach beyond the end of the season.

"Yes, of course (I want Xavi to stay). It's a personal decision, he felt that way. We are very happy with him, I believe that since Xavi's arrival, I have grown a lot as a player and obviously I am very grateful. It's a personal decision for him," the Uruguay international told reporters.

Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez echoed his teammate's words on Tuesday night.

"I hope Xavi can stay at the club. We're here with him until the end. I will always be grateful to Xavi because he trusted me," he added.

Barcelona, who are in the final eight of the Champions League for the first time since 2020, will be bidding to make it back-to-back wins in La Liga when they travel to Atletico Madrid on March 17.