In a dramatic twist of events, Xavi Hernández has agreed to see out the remainder of his contract as Barcelona manager, reversing his decision to step down in the summer.
The former Barcelona captain had announced in January that he would step down at the end of the season following a bad patch of results and that the job had left him mentally exhausted.
However, after meeting with president Joan Laporta on Wednesday, reports say he will honour his contractual obligation to the Spanish giants.
Barcelona Vice President Rafa Yuste looked to confirm the agreement when exiting the meeting late Wednesday night. “We had a meeting with the coach and the president in which Xavi showed us his commitment,” he told reporters. “He is a Barça guy, he is the coach who can lead our project and our young players from the club. I am convinced that he will do a great job, I am very happy for him because he is a great ‘culé.’
“I am happy [with Xavi staying] because I always defended the continuity of the project, he started two-and-a-half years ago.”We have not talked [in the meeting] about changes in our team at all. Xavi has shown his enthusiasm and we must support him and his staff to continue with this project.” Yuste concluded
Xavi became Barça coach in 2021, and led the club to their first league title in four years last season. He subsequently signed a contract extension until June 30, 2025, with an option for an additional year, in September.