Barcelona board’s position on Xavi’s future after Copa del Rey exit vs Athletic Club – report

After losing to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, Barcelona ran out of contention for another title last night as they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Athletic Club at the quarter-final stage.

With La Liga seemingly out of reach and a tricky draw against Napoli in the UEFA Champions League, the Copa del Rey appeared to be Barça’s best bet for a trophy this season.

However, a 4-2 defeat (after extra time) ended the Catalans’ run in the tournament last night at the hands of a team managed by their former head coach.

Xavi has already been under plenty of pressure, more so after the Spanish Super Cup loss. And last night’s defeat makes things only that much harder for the manager.

Barcelona board not thinking of sacking Xavi

However, as per a report from SPORT, the Barcelona board is not considering sacking Xavi at this point in time.

The Blaugrana believe that the team needs stability at the moment and have already expressed their confidence in the coach.

As long as Barça stay in the Champions League places in La Liga and are alive in the two competitions, there is no immediate danger to the 44-year-old tactician’s position.

There is concern within the club administration about the team’s current plight, but they believe that Xavi has earned the credibility to take things forward.

The idea is that the staff and the squad have as much stability as possible to compete at full capacity in the two competitions that they are still alive in.

Xavi’s job safe for now. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

That said, a slump in form in La Liga, which could threaten a top-four finish, could force the club to swing the axe.

How are things looking for Barcelona in La Liga and UCL?

As things stand, Barcelona are currently third in La Liga, eight points behind leaders Girona and seven below second-placed Real Madrid. Xavi’s side have a game in hand over the table-toppers.

Behind them, Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club occupy the fourth and fifth places with 41 points each, although the Basque club have played a game more.

Meanwhile, in the Champions League, Barça face Napoli in the Round of 16. Considering the Italians’ recent poor streak, the Catalans would be expected to progress to the next round.

And, as long as the team is in the Champions League zone in the league table and qualifies against Napoli, no hasty decisions will be made regarding Xavi.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta trusts Xavi and does not want to make a mid-season decision that would destabilise the team.