“Many people, including my players, have convinced me that this is not the end,” the 44-year-old coach told a press conference today after Barcelona announced he would remain on their bench. He has a contract until June next year.
“I believe we can be successful. I am convinced of this and the last three months have shown it to me. And because changing one’s mind is a sign of wisdom, I decided to change one’s mind,” said Xavi, who spent 17 years as a player at Camp Nou and won 25 trophies with Barcelona, including eight league titles and four Champions League triumphs. He is also the 2010 World Champion and has won the Euros twice.
He stated that the key was improving his team’s play. And also the feeling that he has the strength to continue. While not long ago he thought his team needed a new approach, he now believes it can still be successful.
He also denied that it was about money. “The club president knows that if I didn’t finish the last year of my contract, I wouldn’t ask for a single euro.” The decision to stay came three days after a 2-3 loss to Real Madrid that almost certainly ruined the team’s trophy chances. Barcelona is 11 points behind its biggest rival six rounds before the end of the Spanish league. She also fell out with Paris St. a week ago. Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
However, the team has shown some improvement in form since Xavi’s unexpected retirement announcement in January. They then went on a 13-match unbeaten streak before falling to PSG.
Xavi took charge of Barcelona in November 2021 as the successor of the sacked Ronald Koeman. He then won the first two trophies with the team. After the Spanish Super Cup, he also led it to its 27th league title, the first in four years.
