Xavi confirms U-turn on Barcelona exit and will stay on as head coach - 'This project isn't finished yet'

Xavi has reversed his decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the season and will instead continue as head coach.

The former Barca midfielder announced in January that he would be walking away from a role that he described as “cruel and unpleasant”.

He cited a “lack of respect” and said his work "is not appreciated”.

But following a meeting with club president Joan Laporta, Xavi has opted to remain with the Blaugrana.

He confirmed the reversal of his original decision at a club press conference, stating: "I changed my mind because I really felt total confidence from the president, from the board and the players too. This project isn't finished yet.

"Me, my staff, all together feel that we have strength to make important things together and continue this project."

He added: "My original decision was the right one at the time because we needed a change of course. But the situation is different now. I feel strong enough to continue building this project. We may not have achieved the trophy-winning targets that we set for this season, but there is hope for next season and I think we are very close to achieving big things.

"The players believe in me and they have expressed to me their complicity and support, they persuaded me to change my mind. The fans also encouraged me and that also led to reappraise my thoughts. I thank them for all their support and love."

Laporta himself was happy to continue his working relationship with Xavi, reiterating the desire to move forward to achieve success together.

"Yesterday I got the good news in which he conveyed his enthusiasm and confidence for the project and the team and project," Laporta said.

"Our coach is ambitious to create a project that has already won things and that must continue to win. But now it will be even more competitive because changes will be made for the better."

Barcelona are currently second in La Liga, 11 points behind leaders Real Madrid.

They reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League where they were beaten in crushing fashion by Paris Saint-Germain.

Xavi took over as Barcelona head coach in 2021 and led them to the title last season.

But this campaign they are set to finish without any silverware.

Defeat to Real Madrid in a potentially title-deciding 'El Clasico' in their most recent La Liga outing left Barca 11 points behind their arch-rivals in the table with just six matches to play.

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