Xavi performs Barcelona U-turn and agrees to stay as manager after crunch meeting

In a dramatic turn of events, Xavi Hernandez has agreed to stay on as Barcelona coach until the end of his contract in 2025, according to reports in Spain.

44-year-old Xavi had announced in January that he would leave his position at the end of the season due to a series of poor results and the mental toll the job was taking on him. However, according to ESPN, after a meeting with president Joan Laporta on Wednesday, the former Spain international has decided to honour his contractual commitment with the Catalan club.

Catalan legend Xavi took over as Barca's coach in 2021, leading them to their first league title in four years last season and signing a contract extension until June 30, 2025, with an option for an additional year last September. Barca faced difficulties in December and January when they conceded four or more goals in defeats to Girona, Real Madrid, Athletic Club and Villarreal, resulting in their elimination from the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey.

Xavi's announcement to leave at the end of the season followed a 5-3 loss to Villarreal in January, but this also sparked a revival on the pitch. Barca went 13 games unbeaten in all competitions, with Laporta, vice president Rafa Yuste and sporting director Deco all expressing their desire for Xavi to continue during that run.

Barcelona's winning streak came to a halt last week when they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, resulting in their exit from the competition at the quarterfinal stage and missing out on their first semifinal appearance since 2019. This was followed by a 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday, leaving them trailing the leaders by 11 points in LaLiga and effectively ruling them out of the title race with just six games remaining.

Despite these setbacks, Barcelona's stance on Xavi remains unchanged and they are still hopeful he will reconsider his decision. The club's financial situation and the faith shown in young players like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, along with the league title won, have all contributed to Barcelona's desire to retain Xavi.

Rafa Marquez, the Mexico international currently managing the club's B team, and German coaches Hansi Flick and Thomas Tuchel were all considered potential replacements if a new coach was required. However, during a board meeting on Wednesday to discuss the coaching situation, the preference for Xavi to continue was reaffirmed. A final agreement was then reached later in the day when Xavi met with Laporta.