Joan Laporta defends Xavi’s sacking – “All decisions are for the good of Barça”

At a special celebration marking Barcelona’s third Women’s Champions League victory, club president Joan Laporta took a moment to recognise Xavi Hernandez, who is set to oversee his final match as a coach against Sevilla, reports SPORT.

Laporta, amidst applause for the key figures of the triumph, singled out Xavi, recalling his poised press conference held just hours before the Women’s Champions League final.

During his speech, Laporta emphasised the challenges of being president of Barcelona, though he didn’t directly mention Xavi. “Being president of Barça is very difficult,” said Laporta during his speech.

His message was clear: every decision made is for the good of the club. 

“All decisions, all, all, all, all, are for the good of Barça and for the benefit of Barça.” he declared passionately, alluding to recent tensions surrounding the departure of the team’s coach.

Xavi had affirmed the same

Xavi will manage his final game for Barcelona against Sevilla. (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)

Xavi had earlier revealed that it was Laporta’s choice for him to leave, acknowledging the president’s authority.

“Yesterday we spoke to the president, and he told me his reasons why he thinks the coach should be changed,” said the manager. 

“I just have to accept it, he is the one who makes all the decisions at the club. I will always be at Barça’s disposal.

“We shook hands, hugged and wished each other well. From next season, I will be just another fan. The players have to be the protagonists to keep things rolling.”

Despite his evident frustration during the press conference before the Sevilla match, Xavi refrained from stoking further controversy.

“I leave grateful to the president, the sporting directors. I haven’t had any problems with the directors. I am a man of consensus, of the club and I have adapted to all adversities,” he mentioned.

Meanwhile, at the celebratory gathering, Laporta’s call for applause for Xavi was witnessed by notable figures including Pere Aragones, president of the Generalitat, Jaume Collboni, Barcelona’s mayor, and Anna Caula, the general secretary for sport.