Barça Turmoil: Barcelona Could Fire Xavi!
Joan Laporta was angered by the coach's recent statements and he might not be the coach next season.
Three weeks after the club announced his continuity and confirmed by the board until June 2025, Xavi Hernández is back under scrutiny, and it seems he might not be Barcelona's coach next season.
This development was first reported by RAC1 and confirmed by EFE. The issue stems from comments made by Xavi Hernández ahead of the match against Almería, where the Barcelona coach candidly spoke about the club's situation—a perspective that reportedly displeased the board, particularly President Joan Laporta.
"The members must understand that we are in a financial situation that is very different from 25 years ago. We are not in the same conditions as other clubs. I understand it, and we will adapt to it. We want to compete for titles, but Barça needs stability and time," Xavi stated on Wednesday.
VIDEO | Xavi's Statements that Enraged Laporta and Could Cost him his Job
This message apparently contradicts what was agreed upon when both parties finalized Xavi's continuity until June 2025 during a meeting held at the president's home on April 24. During that meeting, Xavi allegedly agreed to moderate his public statements, particularly concerning the club's financial situation and the squad.
Xavi Hernández arrived at that meeting with the sports commission almost resigned after the board had debated the inconvenience of his continuation. However, Laporta and Xavi resolved their differences, and the club announced that the coach, who had planned to resign at the end of the current season, would fulfill his contract until June 2025.
Now the situation has changed again. Despite Xavi Hernández trying to amend his comments after Thursday's victory over Almería, the board's dissatisfaction persists. "I said that the situation is not the best, but we are all working to turn it around. There is always noise here, but I am calm and excited. I am very excited to start the preseason. I still have the honor of being at the best club and with all the ambition to win titles," the Barcelona coach reiterated.
It seems likely that Xavi will finish the season but not continue. The question remains whether he will coach the team in the remaining two matches (this Sunday against Rayo Vallecano and next week against Sevilla) or if he will be replaced sooner.
The favorite to replace him is Mexican Rafa Márquez, coach of the B team. However, the B team is involved in the promotion playoffs until the end of the season, which might allow Xavi to coach Barcelona until the match against Sevilla.
