Xavi Hernández: Joan Laporta's Confidence "Intact"
Xavi Hernández, the coach of Barcelona, stated that the "confidence" of president Joan Laporta is "intact" and that "nothing has changed" from three weeks ago when he was publicly confirmed in his position, as the club continues to convey "calmness" to him.
These statements contrast with the reports published in recent hours suggesting that the coach may not lead the Blaugrana team next season despite having one year left on his contract.
"The club conveys tranquility and excitement to me. We continue with the same ambition and desire to face what remains of this season and the next. We have a project. I understand the environment and the noise, but nothing changes," affirmed Xavi from the press room at the Joan Gamper Sports City.
The Barcelona coach assured that the "confidence" of FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta is "intact," as is that of sporting director Anderson de Souza 'Deco'. "We are in constant contact. If we need to talk, we will talk, but for now, everything remains as it was three weeks ago," he emphasized.
In a press conference dominated by questions about his continuity, Xavi insisted that he has not discussed "absolutely anything" about his future with Laporta in recent hours and stressed that he feels "happy" to coach what, for him, is "the best club in the world." "If there are any changes, we will let you know, but for now, I am calm," he commented.
"I have the honor of being where I want to be, at the club of my life, and with my ambition intact," noted the Catalan coach, who expressed "zero doubts that things can go well" with him on the bench and seized the opportunity to send an optimistic message about the team's potential for next season.
"There is a project with an extraordinary base of homegrown people that has been consolidated. This year we have tried, but due to details, we have not been able to win. Next year, we will be able to compete better, and we are eager to prove it," stated Xavi.
The coach explained that he has conveyed "the same words" to the players as he did in the press room. "There is a lot of noise outside, this is Barça, but the players are involved and eager to play tomorrow," he added.
Xavi, who only answered one question about the match against Rayo Vallecano - from the club's official television -, highlighted that Sunday's game will be "an opportunity to secure second place." "We depend on ourselves and want to do it right away, on the first try," he concluded.