Xavi insists he has support of Joan Laporta and Deco at Barcelona: ‘They tell me nothing has changed’

By premiernews On May 18, 2024

Xavi insists nothing has changed at Barcelona and claims he still retains the support of both Joan Laporta and Deco.

The Barcelona head coach requested a meeting with the club president as speculation mounts over his future at the Camp Nou, despite committing to see out his contract until 2025 just last month.

The meeting did not take place, however, which only increased the talk around his position ahead of Sunday’s La Liga game with Rayo Vallecano.

Asked to expand on what he has been told by those above, he said: “I can’t add anything new. The club transmits to me tranquility.

“I stay with the same desire to face what’s left for this season and the next one. We have a project planned and nothing changes.”

The former Spain international had announced in January his intention to leave the club at the end of the season before being persuaded to reverse his decision in April.

Comments made ahead of Thursday’s win over Almeria were interpreted poorly with Laporta and sporting director Deco subsequently not joining the team for the 2-0 win at Estadio Mediterraneo.

Xavi is once again fielding questions on his future (Jorge Guerrero/AFP via Getty Images)

Asked where the noise over his future is coming from, Xavi insisted he retains the full backing of the club’s hierarchy.

“I don’t know who is speaking and I don’t care,” he added. “What I care about is to have the support of the president, which as far as I know remains untouched, and Deco.

“They tell me nothing has changed. I understand your questions and your job, but that’s what I can say. This is Barcelona, there’s a lot of noise, I get that.”

“We will sit down at some point, I’m sure,” he said of the proposed meeting with Laporta. “We remain in permanent contact. If we have to speak about something, we will do it.

“But everything is the same as it was three weeks ago. Barcelona have a project and we have extraordinary foundations in the players from the current squad.

“I have no doubts that things can work out with me as the club manager. The foundations are great, especially with La Masia graduates who have been able to establish themselves. I am lucky to be at the club of my life, I’m happy every day I come to work.”

Barca can secure second place behind champions Real Madrid with one win from their remaining two games.

They face Rayo Vallecano at home on Sunday before ending the season away at Sevilla on May 25.