In Spain, instead of leading Barca until the end of the season as he wished, coach Xavi could be sacked within a week.
According to AS on February 12th, the 3-3 draw against Granada, the team currently second-to-last in La Liga, was the final straw for the Barca leadership. Witnessing Granada take a 3-2 lead in the 66th minute, President Joan Laporta was so enraged that he threw the tray of pastries he was eating.
AS reports that Laporta will only be patient for two more matches: against Celta Vigo in La Liga's 25th round on February 17th and against Napoli in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 at the Diego Maradona Stadium on February 21st. If they suffer unfavorable results, Laporta will likely replace Xavi with the B team coach, Rafael Marquez.
Xavi coached Barcelona during their 3-3 draw against Granada in La Liga's 24th round on February 11th at Montjuic Stadium. Photo: QSI
Being sacked prematurely could force Xavi to end his aspirations of managing Barca until the end of the season. Previously, immediately after the 3-5 home defeat to Villarreal on January 27th, the 44-year-old coach announced his departure from Barca before the expiration of his contract in 2026. However, he still wanted to manage until the end of the season and this was accepted by Laporta.
Upon his return in November 2021, Xavi became a savior for Barca. After leading the team from ninth to second place in La Liga 2021-2022, he won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup 2022-2023. However, this season, Barca's performance has suddenly declined. Xavi's team is currently third in La Liga with 51 points after 24 matches, 10 points behind Real Madrid, lost 2-4 to Bilbao in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, lost 1-2 to Real Madrid in the first leg of La Liga at home, and lost 1-4 in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Besides their poor results, Barca also disappointed in terms of their playing style and confidence. Xavi's team usually only won by a single goal against most opponents, but suffered heavy defeats when facing important teams like Girona, Bilbao, or Real.
Barca's only remaining hope is to win the Champions League this season. If they overcome Napoli, currently ninth in Serie A, the five-time champions will advance to the quarter-finals. However, Real Madrid, Man City, Arsenal, and Bayern are the real contenders.
Currently, the Barcelona management is considering several coaches to replace Xavi. Besides Marquez, the list also includes former Germany national team coach Hansi Flick, current Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, former Roma manager Jose Mourinho, current Porto manager Sergio Conceicao, current Brighton manager Robert De Zerbi, and current Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil.
Before becoming a coach, Xavi was a legendary player for Barca. The former midfielder won 25 titles in 17 years playing for the club, including four Champions League titles, eight La Liga titles, and two trebles. Xavi also won the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2008, and Euro 2012 with the Spanish national team.
Thanh Quy (according to AS )
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