Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti calls Xavi's change of heart to remain at Barcelona the 'correct decision'

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti labelled Xavi Hernandez’ change of mind the “correct decision” as the Barcelona boss confirmed he would stay on until next season.

The former Barca midfielder, who has been in charge of his boyhood club since 2021, had announced in January that he would leave at the end of the current campaign.

But after an emergency meeting with club president Joan Laporta on Wednesday evening, the four-time Champions League winner confirmed that his work is not finished at Camp Nou.

In Thursday’s press conference ahead of their game against Real Sociedad, Ancelotti welcomed the news, praising the 44-year-old for his time at the club.

“I think Xavi has done a good job at Barcelona. He knows the club very well and it seems to me to be the correct decision to stay,” said Ancelotti.

Despite winning La Liga last season, Xavi had previously described his job as “cruel and unpleasant”.

No such silverware looks likely this season however, with Barcelona 11 points behind Ancelotti’s Los Blancos and already knocked out of the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

Pressed on the relative importance of a person’s word or a contract, Ancelotti said Xavi was well within his rights to reverse his decision.

“We have to respect that people can change their opinion,” said Ancelotti. “It’s not in writing. How many times have I changed opinion in my career? It’s allowed.”

The 64-year-old has few concerns heading into the final weeks of the season, with just seven points required to seal the league title.

But with a Champions League semi-final with Bayern Munich on Tuesday, April 30, Ancelotti confirmed Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo were both suffering from illness.

England’s Bellingham was left out of Real Madrid’s squad for their match with Real Sociedad due to gastroenteritis.

Forward Rodrygo was judged fit enough to make Ancelotti’s 20-player squad after a bout of flu.

But not even the storm surrounding Sunday’s controversial 3-2 El Clasico victory could faze the record four-time Champions League winner.

Laporta threatened to request a replay of the match after Lamine Yamal’s goal-bound attempt was adjudged not to cross the line in the first half.

Xavi himself called the officiating and the lack of goal-line technology in the league an “embarrassment”.

Ancelotti responded: "We have to respect difference of opinion; we all do that many times. It's allowed.

"I don't think Laporta has asked for a repeat of the Clasico.

"We have a good feeling; everything that happens around us doesn't affect us. We're happy. We want to finish the season in a fantastic way.

"Words are blown away by the wind, complaints are opinions."

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.