Xavi reveals the reason why he changed his plans to depart Barcelona at the season’s end and will now stay on as head coach.
The former Barca midfielder declared his intention in January to step away from a position he characterized as ‘cruel and unpleasant.'”
Speaking in a news conference on Thursday, he said the support of the club and a desire to finish the project he inherited in 2021 were among the reasons for his U-turn.
He said:
“I love Barça 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.
“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.
It think it brings stability and I am happy, above all for the backing I have received from the club.
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“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.”
Xavi insisted that his decision to step down in January after a 5-3 loss to Villarreal was not based on “ego” and that he genuinely thought it was what the club needed at the time.
One of the reasons he gave in January was the intense pressure that surrounds the club and, while he admitted that will not change at the first sign of trouble next season, he accepted it is part of the job.
“Next season, if there is a bad run, we will have to deal with it again.”
“But the pressure and the environment surrounding the club were not the main reasons [for leaving].
I know this club and would not have taken the job on if that was a problem.
“My opinion of the environment surrounding the club is that it will continue to be cruel and unpleasant in adverse situations.
But I told the president I am motivated and that the project is not over.”
Xavi took over as Barcelona head coach in 2021 and led them to the title last season.
