Xavi Will Remain Barcelona Manager After Announcing Departure in January, per Report
Three months after announcing he woud leave Barcelona at the end of the season, Xavi has reportedly changed his mind.
The legendary Barcelona and Spain midfielder will remain as manager after a meeting with club president Joan Laporte, according to a Wednesday afternoon report from soccer writer Fabrizio Romano. Xavi initially announced his departure in January following a 5-3 loss to Villarreal that left the club reeling.
Barcelona is currently second in La Liga with a record of 21-4-7, 11 points behind first-place Real Madrid. The club was knocked out of the Champions League in the quarterfinals this month against Paris-Saint Germain; Xavi was sent off in the tie's second leg.
Since taking over as manager, Xavi has led Barcelona to domestic league and supercup titles—both in 2023.
The manager was much more successful as a player, amassing eight Spanish league titles, three Spanish cup titles, four Champions League titles and a World Cup title over a two-decade run.
