Barcelona’s Portuguese Sporting Director Deco stated clearly that the club still looks at coach Xavi as the manager of the club with full belief.
Barca’s troublesome stint in the ongoing 2023-24 season only got worse after suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to rivals Real Madrid at the Supercopa de Espana on Sunday.
This has raised questions about Xavi’s future at the club, but Deco would quickly put any doubt to rest. The sporting director, as quoted by Barca News Network, stated that the questions about the future of the manager makes no sense and he has full backing from the club.
“Questions about Xavi make no senseâæHe (Xavi) has full confidence from all of us. This defeat doesn’t change our plans.” Deco on Xavi’s future at Barcelona.
Xavi’s Barcelona have been having a difficult run so far this season, sitting fourth in the La Liga table with an eight-point difference with table toppers Girona. Missing out on their first silverware of the season to their arch-rivals Real Madrid only added to the mounting pressure on Xavi.
Irrespective of Barcelona’s on and off performance on the field, the club board has repeatedly gone on record to show support to the former Spanish midfielder, backing him and his project as ideal for Barcelona’s future. The instance was once again repeated after Sunday’s game by Deco, insinuating that Xavi is set to stay at the club.
“It’s a tough defeat. Furthermore, we have not been able to fight. We have to continue and think about the Cup,” Deco added.
A first-half hatrick by Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr followed by a 64th minute goal by their other Brazilian, Rodrygo, buried the demons of Real Madrid’s 2023 Supercopa final loss to the same opponent, Barcelona. When it comes to Clasico statistics, Xavi-managed Barcelona share the same number of wins with Real Madrid in their last six encounters.
Barcelona move on to face Spanish third-tier team Unionitas for their Copa del Rey Round of 16 fixture on Friday, January 19. Xavi and his men will have to wait till April 21, 2024 to get their revenge against Real Madrid, unless the two sides get drawn against each other in the Copa del Rey or the UEFA Champions League.
