Xavi Hernández, current manager of FC Barcelona, has done a commendable job thus far – stepping into a difficult situation and leading his team to the La Liga title last season. Now that the transfer window is closed, the board turn their attention to another area they want to tie down – his tenure as coach. Because of his recent success, and because of his status as a club legend, the Barça board see fit to extend his contract for another year – until 2025.
The 43-year-old coach will see his salary roughly doubled for this new season, and there have also been talks regarding his staff and their pay. These talks are still ongoing, but have ramped up in the last few days. They’re expected to be completed and announced, at least as far as Xavi is concerned, sometime next week.
Barcelona never considered Xavi’s new deal in danger — it was matter of time and it will be completed soon 🔵🔴⏳
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 10, 2023
Negotiations taking place in the last 24/48h to get it sealed until 2025, as @Luis_F_Rojo @RogerTorello reported.
More to follow. pic.twitter.com/eiZ3RXH2XV
The negotiations were originally begun by Mateu Alemany, but with him having left the club, Deco will seal the deal. There are reportedly a few final details to be worked out, but it’s clear that Barça want Xavi to continue and he wants to stay.
The manager from Terrassa and former Barça legend has been under a fair bit of scrutiny, as is to be expected from a job this important. He’s faced some criticisms, mainly regarding his team selection and tactical setup, but it’s clear that he’s a great man-manager and is well-liked by everyone within the squad and the upper offices in the Catalan capital.
He’s managed to bring Barça back to league-winning heights despite several lean years and financial troubles. Under him, players like Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araújo have really truly emerged as world-class players. At no time has his continuity been put into question, at least from within.
Barça’s success this season, especially in the Champions League, is still up in the air. It seems a given that Xavi will bring his team out of the group stages this year, especially with the favorable draw they’ve received. If, however, the team doesn’t perform up to standard this season, it may reflect unfavorably on him and his coaching. It may not yet be a make-or-break year for Xavi, but it’s the next closest thing.
A bit of stability may be exactly what the youngsters on this squad need, and would certainly give Xavi more time to build his sporting project.
What do you think? Good idea, or not? Let us know in the comments below.