Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez remains in situ, but it’s an uncomfortable situation. According to the latest updates, his continuity hinges on the financial realities at Barcelona.
Xavi reportedly is aware that President Joan Laporta has decided to sack him, but has no intention of changing his mind. Marca say that Xavi will not walk at the end of the season, less than a month after Laporta told the world that they believed in him, and his exit will be the result of a sacking. Meanwhile Laporta continues to be of the opinion that Barcelona are better off without Xavi next season. Laporta continues to avoid Xavi’s requests to meet, and will do so after the season has ended.
On the other hand, Diario AS suggest that Laporta’s desire to delay the meeting is to buy time. Barcelona do not have the money to pay out Xavi and his staff, reportedly a cost aroud €20m. If they do not find that money, then Laporta will propose that Xavi continues next season, and even if he does not, financially the only viable alternative is Barca Atletic’s Rafael Marquez as things stand.
Luiz00
295
Barcelona are broke because they purchase all the trophy in the past 9-10 years. and now they don't even have money to sack manager 🤦.
Mor2022
32
The disrespect towards Xavi is immense. **Season 2021/22**: Xavi arrived in November 2021 when Barcelona was in 9th place, with the team in complete disarray after Koeman's dismissal. He requested reinforcements from Laporta, Alemany, and the board, managing to secure: - Ferran Torres: €55m - Aubameyang: Free - Adama Traoré: Free (loan) - Dani Alves: Free In just six months, Xavi propelled the team from 9th to 2nd place, including a stunning 4-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. This secured a Champions League spot and significantly improved the club's economic position. **Season 2022/23**: Xavi's first full season saw him ask for quality players, and Laporta delivered: - Raphinha: €58m - Kounde: €50m - Lewandowski: €45m - Kessie: Free - Christensen: Free With his desired squad, Xavi led Barcelona to win the Super Cup against Real Madrid and secured their first league title in four years, setting a record for the best defensive performance in Europe’s top five leagues. It was a remarkable season, particularly for Xavi's first full year in charge. **Season 2023/24**: Optimistic for new titles, Xavi faced a major setback with the departures of Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Ousmane Dembele. He replaced Alba with Balde and Cancelo but struggled to find a suitable replacement for Busquets. His requests for Zubimendi and Kimmich were denied, and the board only managed to provide Romeu, Xavi’s fifth choice. Dembele's exit left a significant gap, and despite Xavi's request for Bernardo Silva, the board again said no. Instead, Xavi turned to the academy, promoting Lamine Yamal. Despite these challenges, Xavi secured Gündogan, Felix, Cancelo, and Inigo Martinez, all on free transfers. The club only spent €3.5m in the summer window. Key player sales included: - Ousmane Dembele: €50m - Griezmann: €22m - Kessie: €12.5m - Nico: €8m - Abde: €7.5m - Trincao: €7m - Ansu Fati: Loan - Eric Garcia: Loan With inadequate replacements and a younger, less experienced team, it was unsurprising that Barcelona went trophyless, although they reached the Champions League quarterfinals. This outcome stemmed from a severe lack of support from the board. As we approach the 2024/25 season, we’ve seen two successful seasons and one challenging one under Xavi. Fans need to be patient. Xavi is not to blame. Every manager has the right to request players, but with only €3m spent on low-priority targets and the loss of key players, expecting major titles is unrealistic. Be patient. Trust Xavi. Trust the team. Trust the process. Focus on the positives Xavi has brought and don’t let one difficult season overshadow his contributions. #EK10