Xavi insists he is ‘full of energy and desire’ to continue managing Barcelona following his sensational U-turn.
The Barca boss announced in January that he would leave at the end of the season, describing the top job at his beloved club as ‘cruel’ and ‘unpleasant’ after a 5-3 loss to Villarreal.
An 11-game unbeaten run followed and, despite being knocked out of the Champions League by PSG and losing 3-2 to Real Madrid last week to effectively end their slim LaLiga title hopes, Xavi is freshly enthused.
‘I’m full of energy and desire.’ he said. ‘We are analysing what has happened to us this year in order to improve next season.’
He offered a slightly peculiar admission: ‘We’re looking forward to getting second place. I’m looking forward to it.’
Xavi claims he is ‘full of energy and desire’ after making a u-turn to stay at Barcelona
His intention to stay was formally announced on Thursday. He had agreed in January to step down at the end of the season
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Asked if his players would now relax due to him staying, he replied: ‘I think quite the opposite as we haven’t done our homework. We have to finish with a good feeling. We’re playing for a title next season.’
Xavi is a legend for Barcelona. As a player, he won eight LaLiga titles with them and four Champions Leagues. In 2020 he was selected in the all-time Ballon d’Or dream team.
Last season he won them their first title since 2019, some feat considering the financial issues that plague the club.
However, they have been second-best by far in LaLiga this season, sitting in third place and 14 points behind Real Madrid with a game in hand.
Club president Joan Laporta was close to tears on Thursday as he described Xavi as ‘extraordinary person who loves Barcelona and transmits that with enthusiasm, confidence and generosity.’
And Xavi also explained his decision to stay on Thursday, saying: ‘I love Barca and I always try to do what is in the club’s best interests.
‘In these three months [since announcing my departure], I have noticed the support from the president [Joan Laporta], the board of directors and [sporting director] Deco.
‘The support of the players and the fans — who have encouraged me on the street and filled the stadium — has also been important in deciding to reverse my decision.
Barca went on an 11-game unbeaten run after he announced he was leaving and has fresh energy
‘We probably won’t win any trophies this season, but this is a winning project. We have to continue with it and we have to keep working hard. I feel we have the capacity, the energy and the motivation to keep going.
‘In January, I thought a change was needed, but I think this is the best decision now. I think it brings stability and I am happy, above all, for the backing I have received from the club.
‘Many people have made me see that this project is not finished. I am staying to keep winning. We will correct the small details that have cost us this year and we believe next season we will be closer to our objectives.’
