Barcelona 'have no plans to sack Xavi'

Barcelona reportedly have no plans to sack head coach Xavi in the foreseeable future.

The managerial stint of the 43-year-old can only be regarded as a success with the Catalan giants having won the La Liga title in 2022-23.

That achievement came despite the club's ongoing financial issues, ones which will continue into 2024-25 with a reduced salary cap having already been enforced.

However, Barcelona have reached this stage of the current campaign sitting in third position in La Liga, four points adrift of surprise leaders Girona.

A return of 27 points from 12 matches is viewed as a solid return, yet there have been a number of occasions this season when Barcelona have scraped points with goals during the final minutes.

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Their last three successes in Spain's top flight have been courtesy of late strikes, while two defeats have been recorded in their last three fixtures in all competitions.

As well as a 2-1 home defeat to Real Madrid, Barcelona succumbed 1-0 to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League earlier this week, leading to suggestions that Xavi's future may now be in doubt.

Nevertheless, according to ESPN, club officials have no plans to remove the legendary midfielder from his position in the dugout.

Sources speaking to the outlet reiterate that Xavi is part of a long-term project and would not be sacked based on short-term form.

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In total during 2023-24, Barcelona have posted 11 wins, three draws and two defeats from their 16 matches in all competitions at a time when Xavi has introduced a number of youngsters into the fold.

The report adds that there is a 'united' mood behind the scenes as they bid to ensure that they remain on the coattails of Girona and Real Madrid, who are just two points ahead of them in the table.

Since his arrival at Barcelona almost two years ago to the day, Xavi has recorded 66 wins and 21 defeats from his 106 games.

Barcelona can head into the November international break on a high when they play host to 14th-placed Alaves on Sunday.