The decision made by Xavi to leave FC Barcelona is one that has shocked the world over. Following the defeat to Villarreal, the Blaugrana coach announced his decision to leave at the end of the season. However, the knowledge that a Barcelona legend like Xavi has been demotivated by the pressure is a telling sign.
In the wake of this news, the Catalan giants continue to work behind the scenes to find a replacement. Almost everyone believes that this is going to be the last anyone sees of Xavi at Barcelona, but a certain key figure within La Liga does not believe that it is as set in stone as many believe.
For La Liga President Javier Tebas, as highlighted by SPORT, Xavi’s departure from Barcelona is not yet a guarantee. In fact, he believes that while Barça may be struggling on the field, the coach could have his mind changed between now and June of 2024:
“There’s a long way to go until June 30, and who says he won’t stay at Barcelona? We have to wait.”
While being asked about the topic in general, the President mentioned that he had not thought too much about it yet. It is rather unlike Tebas to not speak on matters involving the league, and he stated that since not a lot of time had passed, he did not get a chance to do it:
“It happened so recently that I haven’t had much time to think about it. These are decisions that happen in clubs, some come and some go.”
However, to him, the entire scenario does not come as a surprise. For Tebas, this is rather normal for clubs like Barcelona, who have massive expectations, to feel frustrated after losses such as the one to Villarreal:
“It reflects what happens when there are sporting crises, which occur in all clubs, whether they are doing well or struggling financially. Barcelona is a team that always aspires to win everything, and it’s frustrating for a coach not to achieve that. We shouldn’t blow things out of proportion; it’s what usually happens when things aren’t working out on the sporting front.”
On the other hand, Tebas did shed some positive light on Barça’s progression. Stating that while the club has their financial issues, they are on the right path when it comes to correcting them:
“There’s talk of instability, and Barcelona isn’t the same as it has been in previous seasons economically when it comes to signings. It will return to normal. They are doing well on that path.”
