Barcelona

Xavi open to Barcelona return in the future

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 30 January 2024

Barcelona head coach Xavi, who is leaving this summer, says that he would be open to returning to the club at some stage in the future.

Barcelona head coach Xavi has said that he would be open to returning to the club at some stage in the future, as he enters the latter stages of his time as manager at Camp Nou.

The 44-year-old announced after Saturday's 5-3 home loss to Villarreal that he would be leaving his role at the end of the campaign.

Xavi has said that his work "is not valued enough", which led to him making the decision to stand down this summer.

Barcelona are still competing for two trophies this season, but they are 11 points behind La Liga leaders Girona, while the club have a tough assignment against Napoli in the last-16 stage of the Champions League.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's league contest with Osasuna, Xavi again explained his reasons for standing down, but the club's legendary former midfielder refused to rule out a return to Camp Nou in the future.

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on January 14, 2024 © Reuters

"I do not rule out returning to Barca. Barca will have me... but now I think they do not need me. I had already decided. I don't think the work is valued," he told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"We must be united, all of Barcelona fans. Especially the fans. I thank them very much for their support. Also to the locker room. And the board. The season is not over. We want to do well.

"I had decided to leave from the beginning of the season. The decision on my resignation has been made for a long time, our work is not valued enough. That's why I had decided to leave from the beginning of the season.

"Is it the club, press or fans? I think it's in general. I don't think it's (our work) been valued enough. That generates a wear and tear that you think that, you do what you do, it is not valued. We have endured the pressure and we have arrived at one of the most difficult moments of the club and I prefer not to continue.

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on November 4, 2023 © Reuters

"In the day to day you know that there is a lot of unity... I was surprised by the calls. Many players have come at an individual level to talk to me. There are players who have made me excited.

"I leave the position because I am a cule. When it's the Gamper, I want to come with my family to watch the game. In these months I will leave my skin, especially the players, who have to take a step forward. We depend a lot on them being inspired.

"Is it cruel to coach Barca? Because it's like that. I try to express what I feel. They make you feel like you're not worth it. Talking to Pep [Guardiola], Ernesto [Valverde] and Luis Enrique I didn't know. Now I've lived it. It is not enjoyed. It seems that you risk your life at all times."

Barcelona have another four league games against Osasuna, Alaves, Granada and Celta Vigo before heading to Napoli for the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash on February 21.