Xavi reveals the reason behind extending his Barcelona stay
Barcelona manager has decided to stay with the club after initially announcing his departure.
Barcelona manager Xavi has unexpectedly decided to stay with the team past this summer after declaring his intention to depart back in January.
After a run of poor performances, Xavi, 44, said in January that he would leave his position at the end of the season.
He claimed that the position had also negatively impacted his mental health.
But now, the Barcelona legend has decided to extend his stay with the La Liga club.
Fabrizio Romano has reported on his X account why Xavi changed his mind and decided to stay with the Spanish giants.
The Barca manager said, as quoted by Romano:
"I changed my mind because I really felt total confidence from the president, from the board and the players too. This project isn't finished yet".
"Me, my staff, all together feel that we have strength to make important things together and continue this project".
Barca president Joan Laporta is delighted to see Xavi stay at the club.
Laporta feels that the Barca legend staying at the club will provide the Catalan giants with stability.
Fabrizio Romano has reported on X what the Barcelona president had to say:
"Xavi has expressed his joy to stay at Barça, continue this project and improve together. We are excited. It's an excellent news for Barça".
"Stability is key for successful projects, Xavi is a true Barcelonista. We share this feeling: Barça on top of his mind".
After being named Barca's coach in 2021, Xavi guided the team to their first league title in four years last season.
The club encountered challenges in December and January, as they lost to Girona, Real Madrid, Athletic Club, and Villarreal.
As a result, they were eliminated from both the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
Xavi said he would depart in the summer after the team's 5-3 loss to Villarreal in January, but it also spurred a comeback on the pitch.
Barca won 13 straight games throughout all competitions after that.
President Laporta and Sporting Director Deco have always wanted the Spaniard to stay with the La Liga club.
Barca are set to lose out on the La Liga title to Real Madrid this season.
The Blaugrana will face Valencia in their next match on Monday.
Fabrizio Romano has provided an update about Barca’s efforts to keep Xavi and what exactly happened behind the scenes.