In an afternoon that can only be described as eerie and chaotic, a scene reminiscent of the old Barça nuñista era, Joan Laporta sealed the deal on the continuity of Xavi until 2025. The pivotal agreement was reached in a meeting held at Laporta’s private residence, reinforcing the commitment between the club and its esteemed coach.
The situation was chaotic as for some hours, Xavi was not part of the club as some members of the board wished. However, the decisive intervention of Alejandro Echevarría, who holds no official role in the organization but has an increasing influence, ensured Xavi remained at the helm.
This incident was surreal, considering the president, who had planned an external replacement, backed down at the last moment to endorse Xavi. Xavi is the only coach in Barcelona’s contemporary history who has bid himself farewell.
Back in January, Xavi announced his departure, stating that it was «cruel» to be the coach of Barcelona. However, as the team began to show signs of recovery, Xavi realized there were reasons to stay.
When Xavi announced his departure, he was also giving up his salary for the remaining year of his contract. This factor, coupled with the opportunity to lead a generation of young players he had fostered, played a crucial role in his decision to stay.
The club accepted the reversal on Xavi’s part, despite having been in the search for other coaches since last January. The options had been narrowed down to Rafa Márquez and Hansi Flick, with Marquez being the first name that emerged. However, everything accelerated on a Wednesday that resonated with the times of Núñez.
In the past, negotiations were conducted in the professional office of the then-president (1978-2000) located on Urgell street. However, this time, all the major decisions were made at Laporta’s private residence, based in the upper area of Barcelona.
At the city’s sports city of Sant Joan Despí, Xavi and Deco, the sports director and Xavi’s direct boss, had arranged a meeting. After a little over an hour of discussion, they left separately, only to meet again at the president’s home, where Rafa Yuste, the vice president of sports, and Alejandro Echevarría were already present.
Interestingly, these were the same five individuals who were present in the dressing room of Montjuïc on January 27 when the coach announced his departure. Xavi believed that a «change of dynamics» was necessary for the club, intending to liberate the players.
The meeting extended into the dinner, with the staggered arrival of the remaining members of the sports committee, namely Joan Soler, Bojan Krkic, and Enric Masip. All were urgently convened to attend the first major summit where Xavi’s continuity was celebrated, and the sports planning for the next season was discussed.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Laporta, who had often warned that «losing in Barça has consequences,» went against his principle. Despite the team having a barren season, Laporta endorsed Xavi, as the other options did not satisfy him.
And so, Xavi, who had resigned in January to leave in June, will continue for another season. In the midst of a chaotic Barça that lives day by day, improvising non-stop, Xavi managed to have his way. Despite the «toxic» environment that made his life difficult, according to Xavi himself, he wanted to continue. And indeed, he will, leading the team into the future.