Joan Laporta urges Xavi to continue in 'cruel and unpleasant' Barcelona job beyond end of season

Joan Laporta urges Xavi to continue in 'cruel and unpleasant' Barcelona job beyond end of season

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 19:54 - 29.02.2024

Despite announcing he will leave the club this summer, Xavi has reportedly been asked to stay on as Barcelona boss.

Xavi, 44, confirmed last month that this will be his final season as Barcelona boss, insisting he had made his decision 'some time ago'.

"I'll go even if we win the UEFA Champions League,"  Xavi said following a 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal.

Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez | Imago

"The feeling of being a Barca coach is cruel and unpleasant.

"There is a lot of disrespect and it affects you until it leads to a decision like this one."

Laporta trying to get Xavi to stay beyond this season

According to reports from the Barcelona-based newspaper Sport, Barca president Joan Laporta and Sports Vice President Rafa Yuste have initiated informal discussions with Xavi to encourage the club legend to extend his contract, which is set to expire in the summer of 2025.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta | Twitter
Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez is set to leave the club this summer

Despite Xavi's initial announcement of his departure, Laporta is actively seeking to convince him to continue in the challenging role beyond the summer.

The report further states that Blaugrana are having trouble finding a new coach, as top candidates are turning down the opportunity.

The club's financial limitations also restrict their ability to strengthen the squad, which could explain why Xavi's continuance is being discussed.

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