Barcelona continued with Xavi as he refused to give up €8m salary for next season – report

In a major turn of events, coach Xavi Hernandez opted to stay put in Barcelona and reverse his decision to leave at the end of the season.

Although the team suffered dismaying results throughout the campaign, club officials and President Joan Laporta consistently voiced their support for Xavi’s ongoing leadership.

But before the details of Xavi’s continuity became public knowledge, there were many alternatives on the table, with Hansi Flick emerging as a prime candidate.

The reason for Xavi’s continuity

Now, as per Relevo had he not continued, Xavi would have preferred to get his entire pay for the upcoming season, even if he denied at the press conference that he would stay.

Moreover, Xavi’s salary for the upcoming season, along with that of his assistant coaches, is set at €8 million.

In light of this, Laporta chose to bank on the 44-year-old’s services despite having previously struck a deal with Hansi Flick.

Xavi decided to continue as Barcelona manager. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

After all, paying Xavi’s salary for an additional season without him actively coaching would impose a significant financial burden on the club, especially given their current economic climate.

Xavi’s future could be in danger

After a poor performance against Girona, their chances of finishing second place have been jeopardized.

And prior reports claimed that Xavi’s continuity could be in danger if Barcelona are unable to qualify for the Spanish Super Cup next season.

In the event the Catalans cannot reclaim their position, the Blaugranes will not only miss out on the Spanish Super Cup for the following season but also suffer severe financial losses.

The Catalans’ next La Liga matchup is against Real Sociedad; they then play Rayo Vallecano and UD Almeria. Xavi’s team will play Sevilla on the road to round off their campaign.