Xavi Hernandez signs new Barcelona contract until 2025 with option of further year at Liga club

Xavi Hernandez has signed a new two-year contract as Barcelona coach.

The former midfielder's deal has been extended until June 20, 2025 with the option of another year.

With the Spaniard’s previous deal due to expire at the end of the current season, the Spanish giants have moved to secure his future at the club.

Xavi has delivered two trophies since his appointment in November 2021 - the La Liga title, the club's first since 2019, and the Spanish Super Cup, with both pieces of silverware coming last season.

The 43-year-old had been manager of Qatari side Al-Sadd when he replaced Ronald Koeman as boss, with the club lingering in ninth place in La Liga. He immediately improved the team's fortunes and guided them to a runner's up place and subsequent Champions League qualification.

The Catalans have also made a strong start to the current campaign, winning five of their six matches in all competitions.

In Xavi’s 96 games in charge, he has achieved 60 victories and 17 draws. He has handed 12 players from the youth academy their debut and has seen veterans Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique leave the club.

Xavi had confirmed his contract renewal in his press conference ahead of Saturday's league game with Celta Vigo.

"The renewal has been agreed for days and will be announced shortly. I already said it was done. It will be announced soon. I don't know when, but soon," Xavi said.

"We arrived at a very difficult time, with very difficult sporting, economic and psychological circumstances," he added, in reference to his arrival in November 2021.

"We have worked very well from the presidency to the sports direction [department]. It is a process of construction and training, but we are competing and playing good games.

"This should be the season of confirmation in terms of play and results. I, personally, feel very confident. I feel strong in this regard. The staff is grateful and the players are enjoying themselves. We are on the right track, but we can't stop having humility and [need to keep working]."

As a player, Xavi made 767 appearances in 17 years, winning 25 trophies in the process, including eight La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies for Barcelona.

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