Barcelona President holds hope for Xavi’s stay despite exit announcement

The managerial saga at Barcelona continues as club president Joan Laporta maintains optimism that Xavi Hernandez might reconsider his decision to leave at the end of the season.

Despite Xavi’s recent reaffirmation of his departure plans, Laporta insists that discussions regarding the Spaniard’s future will remain open until the conclusion of the season.

In a press conference preceding Barcelona’s match against Cadiz, Xavi reiterated his stance, firmly declaring, “I will not change my mind.”

However, Laporta remains undeterred, expressing his willingness to revisit the matter once the season concludes. While acknowledging Xavi’s resolute statement, Laporta emphasises that circumstances may evolve, leaving room for reconsideration.

“We will discuss this issue at the end of the season,” Laporta stated in an interview with Mundo Deportivo. “He [Xavi] is doing very well… I understand that everything is open and everything is revisable. There is time to talk about it.”

However, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco presents a contradictory stance, stating that there are currently no plans to persuade Xavi to alter his decision. “At the moment there is no plan for Xavi to change his mind; if there is, we will talk,” Deco said.

Despite Deco’s remarks, Laporta remains optimistic, citing the team’s recent form and the potential for discussions regarding Xavi’s future.

As speculation swirls around Xavi’s impending departure, Barcelona’s focus remains on finishing the season strongly. With a crucial Clasico against Real Madrid looming and a Champions League quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain awaiting resolution.