Even though the team’s performance and form have declined recently, a club source told ESPN that Barcelona has “total” faith in Xavi Hernandez and his role as coach.
After losing 2-1 in El Clásico to Real Madrid one week prior, the Catalan team was defeated 1-0 by Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday. Ronald Araújo’s late goal was necessary to defeat Real Sociedad 1-0 in La Liga on Saturday.
Given his history at the team, sources close to Xavi told ESPN that any inquiries regarding his future as coach were “out of place.”
After struggling both on and off the field, Xavi, a Barca legend as a player from 1998 to 2015, took over as manager in November 2021. The team went on to win the LaLiga title with relative ease the following season.
According to sources, Xavi’s was a long-term endeavor and shouldn’t be disregarded because of a brief slump in performance.
Although Barca lost to Shakhtar and missed the opportunity to secure their spot in the Champions League round of 16, a club source claimed that while the defeat was disappointing, it did not cause the board to question Xavi.
The source stated that the team was expected to recover swiftly and that there was a sense of unity and confidence behind the scenes.
Just two goals have been scored in the team’s last three games, which has drawn criticism from Xavi for the team’s style of play two years into his reign. However, sources close to the coach told ESPN they would not comment on rumors regarding his future.
In September, Xavi extended his contract as manager through 2025. He enjoys a cordial rapport with President Joan Laporta.
Before Sunday’s match at Montjuic against Alavés ahead of the international break, Barcelona is currently in third place in La Liga, four points behind leaders Girona and two behind Real Madrid.
After that, there will be three difficult home tests in the Champions League against FC Porto and La Liga matches against Atletico Madrid and Girona.
Gerard Pique, a former captain of Barcelona, urged Xavi to have “patience” on Wednesday.
Pique stated that while the job was harder, it was also more satisfying because Barca was expected to play attractive football.
