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Xavi: 'Champions League success will have no impact on my future'

Xavi: 'Champions League success will have no impact on my future'
© Reuters
Xavi insists that he will still stand down as Barcelona head coach this summer even if he is able to win the Champions League.

Xavi has insisted that he will still stand down as Barcelona head coach this summer even if he is able to lead the Catalan outfit to Champions League success during the 2023-24 campaign.

The reigning La Liga champions booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the European competition on Tuesday evening courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Napoli in the second leg of their last-16 tie.

At the end of January, Xavi announced that he would be leaving Barcelona this summer, claiming that the club "needs a change of dynamic".

The Catalan outfit are unbeaten in their nine games in all competitions since the announcement, though, and there have been suggestions that the 44-year-old could reverse his decision.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has opened the door for Xavi to stay on as manager, while club president Joan Laporta is also thought to be pushing for the club's legendary former midfielder to remain.

Barcelona coach Xavi on February 21, 2024© Reuters

However, Xavi has said that it is "impossible" for him to change his mind, and he will be leaving this summer even if he is able to secure Champions League success.

"Right now, it's impossible for me to change my decision. I will leave the club at the end of the season," Xavi told reporters following the clash with Napoli.

"You keep on asking me if I will stay if we win the Champions League. No, I will not. My future will not change. My response will not change. I will leave at the end of the season."

Barcelona are currently on a seven-game unbeaten run in La Liga, winning five times in the process, which has left them third in the table, eight points behind the leaders Real Madrid.

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates on March 12, 2024© Reuters

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo said after the clash with Napoli that he is still hopeful Xavi could stay as head coach beyond the end of the season.

"Yes, of course (I want Xavi to stay). It's a personal decision, he felt that way. We are very happy with him, I believe that since Xavi's arrival, I have grown a lot as a player and obviously I am very grateful. It's a personal decision for him," the Uruguay international told reporters.

Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez echoed his teammate's words on Tuesday night.

"I hope Xavi can stay at the club. We're here with him until the end. I will always be grateful to Xavi because he trusted me," he added.

Barcelona, who are in the final eight of the Champions League for the first time since 2020, will be bidding to make it back-to-back wins in La Liga when they travel to Atletico Madrid on March 17.

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Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on November 28, 2023
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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