Barcelona under Xavi is on track to take the league title in Spain this season. Despite the success, Xavi admits that his role as head coach of Barcelona is difficult for him.
Xavi spoke to the press at a meeting of the city council in his hometown of Terrassa. There he discussed the pressure that comes with being a Barcelona coach. “I am constantly judged and criticized,” Marca noted of that press moment. “And that’s hard. I have a family and small children. There are many times when it doesn’t pay to be the coach of Barcelona.”
Professionals are expected to let criticism slide, but Xavi does receive it. “It’s hard when they tell you you’re no good or you don’t have a personality. Sometimes you can shut yourself off from it, but then you hear from a friend that you are being killed in the media. The worst days of my life were as coach of Barcelona,” the Spaniard revealed.
The logical question that Xavi therefore asks himself is: should you continue? “I’ve often wondered if this is worth it. Financially I am independent. But I’m a fan of Barcelona and I want to help the club,” he answered.
Barcelona currently has a nine-point lead over Real Madrid and is therefore heading for the title in La Liga. It finished third in a Champions League group with Bayern Munich, Internazionale and Viktoria Plzen, before being eliminated by Manchester United in the intermediate round of the Europa League. Barcelona is in the semi-finals of the Spanish Cup.
Barcelona hopes Sergio Busquets wants to stay another year. That’s what Joan Laporta said. The president of the Catalans also discussed the future of trainer Xavi and the transfer plans for next season.
Laporta discusses future of Xavi and Busquets
Laporta joined the Spanish media on Tuesday afternoon for an extensive interview and spoke about various topics. This is how the future of Busquets was discussed. The 34-year-old captain has an expiring contract and is coveted by Inter Miami, but if it is up to Barça the experienced midfielder will remain at the Camp Nou.
“He’s an important person in the dressing room, Xavi wants him to stay and he’s thinking about what he’s going to do,” Laporta told Mundo Deportivo. “He has offers from other clubs to continue his career elsewhere. We have not made an offer yet, but will do so soon. We want him to continue for another year.”
With Xavi, another club icon is at the helm of the first selection. The 43-year-old former international still has a contract until mid-2024 at Camp Nou, Laporta acknowledged that he has already considered offering the trainer a new contract: “Even if we don’t become champions. Because he knows the club and Barca’s way of playing.”
According to Laporta, Xavi will have another blow if Barça does not become national champions this season despite the large lead. But the president has no doubts, “I want to send a signal that creates peace. I’ve already considered it. I haven’t discussed it with the board members yet, but they’re here too. For the record.”
