Xavi confirms Barcelona continuity, explains U-turn – ‘The project is not finished’ | OneFootball

After an evening filled with twists and turns and confusion, it was confirmed last night that Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez will continue in his role beyond this season.

The 44-year-old reversed his decision to leave the club at the end of the ongoing campaign and is now staying put to see out his contract.

Earlier today, Barcelona president Joan Laporta, director Deco, and Xavi appeared in front of the press to officially confirm the decision and explain the reasons behind the U-turn.

After Laporta insisted that everyone at the club agreed that Xavi’s continuity was key to the stability of the project that the club are building, the manager himself explained his decision to change his mind.

“I am very much a Barça man. I am a club man and the most important thing is to think about the club. We met with the president, yesterday I put my position at his disposal. But I sense the confidence of the president, Deco, Bojan, the whole board…,” said Xavi.

“The support of the players has been very important. They have made me see that I have to continue. I believe that this project is not finished even though this season we may not win titles. The fans have also made me think that I have to continue. And above all that I see that I have the capacity.”

After making his speech, Xavi answered some questions from the media present, starting off by sending a message to the fans, saying:

“I think it’s [the fans] an important part. The desire we have, the trust has been mutual. There is harmony with Deco and of course with the team. I walk down the street and people encourage me and that makes you think again.

“The players have made me see that it’s not over, but above all the fans. We have generated a lot of enthusiasm and it’s a pity that it has gone unnoticed these last few days. I think we are close to achieving our objectives.”

Staying on for another season. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

When asked to explain his decision to change his mind after having been firm about wanting to leave in the past few months, Xavi replied:

“It was not an easy decision. In January I conveyed to the president, Deco and the board that it was the best thing for the club. Now the circumstances have changed. Yesterday we spoke about it very directly.

“I think the project is not finished and can be a winning one. I am convinced, with all the hope in the world. The players believe in it and I have changed my mind. It is wise to rectify.

“It’s a cocktail of reasons that make me continue, above all the confidence of the president, Deco and the players. It’s not a question of money or ego. I saw the confidence of everyone.”

On whether the Barcelona players have been informed about the same, Xavi replied:

‘The players already know. We have had one of the best training sessions of the season. The president has given his explanations and so have I, which are the same ones I give here. I have felt the confidence of everyone and I feel strong. This is the story.”

There were stories that if Xavi would have left, he wanted Barcelona to pay him for the remaining year of his contract. When asked if those claims were indeed true, he replied:

“If they have said this, it is to hurt me. If I didn’t continue I wouldn’t get paid a single euro. The president knows that. The money from my contract was for the next coach.”

On whether he has made any demands for changes now that he is staying, the manager stated:

“I am a man of consensus and club. I am in very good harmony with Deco and the president. We will always look after the good of the club. I have not set any conditions.”

Xavi feels the project is not finished. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

When asked about the environment surrounding the club and whether his decision was forced by that, Xavi said:

‘I make the decision for the good of the club. I think it will get better, but now the circumstances have changed. I know the club, the environment was not the main reason. I am with the maximum illusion so that the project continues to win.”

When asked if he regretted the decision to announce his exit, Xavi replied: “The decision was the right one because the club needed a change. I passed it on to the president. Now it is wrong because I think the opposite.

“The young people and the squad have given me their support, as well as the confidence of the president and Deco. It made me think again and I have the energy to go on. Rectifying is wise.”

When asked what he expects from the next season, the Barcelona manager replied: “My opinion of the environment is that it will continue to be cruel, but I feel strong and eager.

“The project is not finished and we are going to give everything. But it will continue to be cruel and unpleasant.”

On the team’s last week and if there is any self-criticism needed, he replied: “On a tactical level we were better than PSG, both in the first leg and in the second. After Ronald’s sending off, we lacked the ability to compete better.

“It’s part of the process. It’s very difficult to win, win and win. The staff and the players have learned a lot. Next year we will compete better.”

There has been talk of changes to his staff, but Xavi insisted that he is proud of the work they have done and confirmed no changes will take place, saying:

“I am proud and grateful. It’s a wonderful staff. It’s clear that we have to improve things, but we’ve learned a lot.

“The staff is very big, we will keep everything the same.”

On his contract expiring next year, Xavi replied: “It’s all a long way off. The important thing is that we have decided together that I will continue.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo