Barcelona are considering sacking head coach Xavi. The 44-year-old had announced in January that he would step down at the end of the season but was persuaded to stay by club president Joan Laporta. However, comments made by Xavi in a recent news conference have reportedly angered the club’s board, who now feel the former Spain midfielder should depart. Barcelona B team manager Rafael Marquez is the favorite to take over as manager.
Before Thursday’s away win at Almeria, Xavi suggested it would be difficult to compete financially with rivals Real Madrid and other top teams in Europe. “I think that Barca fans need to understand that the situation is really difficult, especially economically, to compete with Real Madrid in Spain and others in Europe,” he said. Xavi emphasized the need for adaptation, stating, “It doesn’t mean that we don’t want to fight to compete and fight for trophies. It is the situation for Barcelona at this time. We need stability and time.”
Real Madrid have already secured the La Liga title this term, are in the final of the Champions League, and will sign France striker Kylian Mbappe from Paris St-Germain in the summer. In contrast, Barcelona are 14 points behind Real Madrid in the league with two games remaining. This disparity has heightened the urgency for change within Barcelona’s leadership.
Xavi took charge in November 2021 after leaving Qatari club Al Sadd and guided Barcelona to the Spanish title in his first full season in charge in 2022-23. Despite this success, the Spanish giants exited this season’s Champions League at the quarter-final stage following defeat by PSG. This season’s disappointments, coupled with Xavi’s recent remarks, have led to increased speculation about his future at the club.
