Xavi set to stay as FC Barcelona manager after crucial meeting with Joan Laporta

At the end of January, the Blaugrana manager announced to the media his intention to leave the team at the conclusion of the current campaign. However, a number of team members, including president Joan Laporta, have since made an effort to persuade him to remain and finish out his contract. Their cries appear to have been heard, as the management is expected to stay.

Xavi has stated time and time again that he has no intention of staying in Catalonia since he announced his retirement, citing the desire for a change and the detrimental effects on his mental state as his reasons for leaving. However, it is said that the team never conducted another management search in the hopes that their existing coach would continue.

Rafa Marquez had surfaced as a potential substitute along with Hansi Flick, who was once connected to FC Barcelona; however, those rumours have subsequently cooled. However, it currently appears like Xavi will lead the first team the next season and complete the terms of the deal he first signed when he rejoined the team.

Xavi hoping to solve growing issues of FC Barcelona

The Blaugrana managed to win the first leg 3-2 at Parc des Princes, but they wasted a two-goal lead after an early Raphinha goal to lose 4-1 on the evening and 6-4 aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain. Paris Saint-Germain will now play Borussia Dortmund for the chance to play in the UEFA Champions League final.

A few days after that, Barca's season was all but over as they lost the El Clasico at the Bernabeu to a dramatic Jude Bellingham winner.

With Real Madrid already 11 points ahead, Barcelona has all but given up the La Liga title it won in the spring of last year and is going to end the season without a trophy, just as it achieved in Xavi's initial tenure after taking over for Ronald Koeman during late 2021. Whether or not this is a wise decision for the Spanish powerhouses remains to be seen.