Barcelona

Xavi 'hopes he will be missed' when he leaves Barcelona

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 26 January 2024

Xavi hopes to be given the time to make a lasting impression as Barcelona boss amid the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Xavi has said that he is hopeful of being given the time to make a lasting impression as Barcelona boss amid fresh speculation surrounding his future at Camp Nou.

The 44-year-old's job was called into question following the 4-1 defeat against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, and there have been more rumours since Wednesday's 4-2 loss at Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-final stage of the Copa del Rey.

Barcelona remain active in two competitions, preparing to resume their La Liga campaign against Villarreal on Saturday, while they will face Napoli in the last-16 stage of the Champions League.

Xavi has insisted that he is "calm" amid the talk surrounding his future, and he is hopeful that he will "be missed" when he does eventually leave his role as head coach.

"We're talking about my continuity since July, since we lost a friendly against Arsenal. I'm calm, we are doing a good job, really. I live in a different reality than yours. We can still have a good season," Xavi told reporters during Friday's press conference.

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on January 14, 2024 © Reuters

"I have been in charge for two and a half years. I believe my time remaining in this role is shorter rather than longer than that. [Pep] Guardiola spent four years winning. Luis Enrique, three years winning. One day I will leave, don't worry.

"I don't know if I'm being judged unfairly or not. Here we value people when they leave. Now the work of [Ernesto] Valverde and [Ronald] Koeman is valued... [Sergio] Busquets, too. I hope that I will also be missed."

Xavi also said that he is looking for 'a reaction' from his side following the extra-time loss to Athletic last time out.

"Villarreal are not doing very well, but Marcelino's teams are always prepared. We have to react after the game in Bilbao. I think we competed well, with pride, and if we play like on that day, we will be able to win many games," he added.

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on November 4, 2023 © Reuters

Xavi also detailed the importance of Joao Cancelo's return to action, with the Portugal international expected to feature against Villarreal after being an unused substitute against Athletic.

"I'm delighted to have Cancelo in the squad. He's a great professional and a great person. It hurts him not to be able to help us, he's very eager. In addition to his sporting quality, I highlight his human quality," he added.

However, Alejandro Balde is facing a lengthy spell out with a thigh problem, and the Spaniard could potentially undergo an operation which would rule him out for the rest of the campaign.

Barcelona are third in the La Liga table, eight points behind the leaders Girona, but they have been victorious in each of their last three matches in Spain's top flight.