Barcelona director not ruling out Xavi staying at the club: “If it happens, we will discuss it”

Earlier today, reports emerged claiming that Barcelona had requested manager Xavi Hernandez to continue at the club beyond the ongoing campaign.

The 44-year-old tactician announced last month that he would leave Barça once the current season is over for he felt the team needed a change.

While the manager has stayed firm on his stance of not wanting to continue beyond the season, earlier this week, reports claimed that he would be open to changing his mind.

And today, it was suggested that Barcelona president Joan Laporta had informally approached the club legend to continue.

Deco on whether Xavi can stay

During an interview with Catalunya Radio, the question about the possibility of Xavi’s continuity was put forth to Barcelona’s sporting director Deco.

The former Portugal midfielder responded saying that the option is not on the table at this point, but would be discussed if it emerges in the near future.

“If something changes, I won’t say we can’t consider it. We have nothing against him. It is not a decision taken by the club or the sporting management. At the moment, there is no such possibility. If it happens, we will discuss it,” he said.

However, just a while ago, fresh reports suggested that Xavi has no intentions of changing his mind and remaining at the club beyond this season.

Asked about the search for a replacement for Xavi, where the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann, Hansi Flick, and Roberto De Zerbi are being linked, Deco stated that a decision has not been made yet.

“We are not talking about the future (coach), we have not made any decision, it is still early,” he remarked.