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Joan Laporta hints Xavi could reverse decision to leave Barcelona

Laporta hints Xavi could reverse decision to leave Barcelona
© Reuters
Barcelona president Joan Laporta suggests that Xavi could remain as manager of the club beyond the end of the season.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has hinted that Xavi could remain as head coach of the current La Liga champions beyond the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Xavi said at the end of January, following a damaging 5-3 home loss to Villarreal in La Liga, that he would be standing down as manager of the Catalan giants this summer.

The 44-year-old claimed that the club "needs a change of dynamic", but the team's form since his announcement has been impressive, winning seven of their 10 games in all competitions.

Barcelona are second in the La Liga table, eight points behind the leaders Real Madrid, while they will take on Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The Catalan club's sporting director Deco has said that the door is open for Xavi to stay on as manager, and Laporta has now hinted that the club's legendary former midfielder could remain at Camp Nou.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta during the press conference on April 17, 2023© Reuters

"I say that whoever wants to come to Barça will have to wait until the end because we are not going to touch anything until Xavi makes the decision," Laporta told Mundo Deportivo.

"If Xavi decides to leave, those who really want to come to Barca will have to wait and will wait. If they don't wait, it's okay, we have a solution."

Laporta also responded to suggestions that PSG head coach Luis Enrique could return to Camp Nou.

"I like Luis Enrique, he's very good but we didn't speak to him or any other coach as we respect Xavi," added the Barcelona president.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta during the press conference on February 1, 2022© Reuters

Ex-Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick has also been linked with the position, but Laporta has denied that there have been any discussions with the 59-year-old.

"Pini Zahavi offering Hansi Flick? I'm good friends with Pini and with Jorge Mendes. They are the agents I know the most from my past. But I have told them: Don't insist because we will be with Xavi until the end of the season," he added in the same interview.

Xavi has said on multiple occasions since his initial announcement that he is standing by his decision to leave this summer despite the team's strong form.

The Barcelona boss has insisted that even winning the Champions League this season would not alter his call, still believing that a change of manager is the best outcome for all parties this summer.

Barcelona will return to action against Las Palmas in La Liga next weekend before heading to France for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with PSG on April 10.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona87012591621
2Real Madrid75201651117
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18Valencia8125513-85
19Real ValladolidValladolid8125417-135
20Las PalmasLas Palmas7034813-53


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