Contrary to earlier announced reports in the season that stated that Barcelona manager Xavi would leave the club by the end of the season, new developments have emerged that the Spanish manager will continue at the Blaugrana until at least the end of his current contract.

Xavi announced in January that he would leave the club at the end of the current season after stating that he was not protected enough by the club’s management against the backdrop of a string of poor results, which included a loss to Villarreal.

However, after the game against Villarreal, things improved for Barcelona as they went on a ten-match unbeaten run which ended on Sunday in the 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in the El Clasico.

Although the 44-year-old also declared a lack of direction among the issues in January, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also been keen on keeping Xavi, which may have led to his decision to stay, especially after a meeting with the club’s hierarchy on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, Barcelona are currently in second position on the table but currently sits eleven points behind Real Madrid with six matches left in the season.

Barcelona has also been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by PSG, meaning that they will be ending the season trophy-less unless there is an unexpected capitulation from Real Madrid.

With Xavi’s contract ending at the end of the 2024/2025 season, the 44-year-old could exit Barcelona eventually at the end of next season, with Barcelona ready to pick up one of the high-profile managers who could be out of contract by then. 

However, until then, Xavi would have more time to show and act to his word, which he initially said in January when he revealed his planned exit.

“I’ve been a man of the club. I’ve prioritized it above even myself. I’ve given everything I have. And I will continue to do so to make the fans feel proud.” said Xavi in January.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu