Xavi Makes U-Turn, Open To Remain As Barca Manager

Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez had announced in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season, however, he could end up staying.

Mundo Deportivo are heavily reporting that Xavi could be ‘open’ to remaining as Barca boss past the end of this season, despite him having announced his resignation from the spot as manager of the Catalan club just months ago. While the reports claim a possibility of the World Cup-winning midfielder staying at the club, there will have to be conversations between the two parties.

The report states that Xavi has requested to have a meeting with the board, who he feels has shown him a lot of support over the last few months and could be key in his reversal. The board is also fully on board for the Spaniard to continue at the club. However, Xavi has a few key conditions in mind before he makes his final decisions. It is reported that Xavi will ask the club for guarantees in terms of strengthening their squad, something which they couldn’t fulfil last season.

As per Alex Piantel of Relevo, Joan Laporta and co. cannot provide guarantees to Xavi due to the uncertainty revolving around their economic situation at this point. Therefore, Xavi has asked to meet with the entire board and not just Laporta and Deco.

Laporta and Barcelona had been banking on Xavi deciding to stay back at the end of the summer, and they will now look to meet with the 44-year-old as soon as possible. If the talks fail, the Blaugrana are expected to turn to Barca Atletic boss Rafa Marquez to lead the first team due to his knowledge of the club and the academy.