Xavi is now leaning towards remaining as Barcelona coach for the upcoming season. After declaring his plan to leave at the end of the current season back in January, he is now contemplating the idea of changing his mind.
He has initiated talks to honor his contract that runs until June 2025. Agreeing to sit down with the president for discussions marks a significant progression towards his potential continuation at the club.
Both Joan Laporta and Deco are in agreement that currently, retaining Xavi at the club is the most favorable choice. The external options are not ideal due to various reasons such as the candidates’ lack of interest in coaching or existing contractual obligations that would involve significant financial compensation to release them, which the club is not prepared to invest in.
Rafa Marquez is another potential option, especially if Xavi remains steadfast in his decision to depart. However, there are concerns about the risk involved with choosing the Mexican player.
The positive feedback on his performance in the reserve team is acknowledged, but transitioning to the first team is a different challenge. The lack of strong media support for Marquez, unlike Xavi, is also a factor that the club considers.
In the upcoming meeting, Laporta and Deco plan to encourage Xavi to review his stance, assuring him of their unwavering support. They will also promise to provide him with the strongest team possible, despite the constraints imposed by Financial Fair Play regulations.
It is important to note that the coach has no intentions of making any requests related to transfers, as he is well-informed about the current circumstances.