Xavi shares message of ‘tranquility’ with Barcelona players, excited for next season

Just over 24 hours remain before Barcelona play host to Rayo Vallecano for the penultimate game of the season.

Ahead of kickoff, however, there is less focus on the events that will unfold on the field with the lion’s share of the spotlight laid on the movements behind-the-scenes, especially around Xavi.

The manager’s future has once again come under intense scrutiny, just weeks after the announcement of his continuity for next season. This time, however, the condition appears serious with a sacking not ruled out.

Change in routine

As revealed by MARCA, there was a small change in Barcelona’s pre-training movements earlier today with Xavi joining the players late. Usually, he is the first one to arrive and waits a few minutes on the field for his players to arrive.

The Spanish outlet further relayed that the reason for the manager’s delay was a special message that he wished to share with the dressing room in light of the sudden situation.

Xavi calm despite rumours about future. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking to his players before training, Xavi conveyed a message of tranquillity to his team and assured them that he was with strength, enthusiasm and ambition for the season ahead and that he was not contemplating a departure in any way.

Oblivious to the developments

While the media has been bust covering the news of Laporta’s dissatisfaction with Xavi’s statements, the manager himself knew nothing of the developments and is said to have woken up to the news in the media himself.

No communication has been made with Xavi or his team yet, and the coaching staff are thus continuing unperturbed with the game against Rayo Vallecano in mind.

As it stands, Xavi is said to have an appointment planned with Laporta next week, and it is safe to assume that the outcome of the situation will depend on how that meeting goes.