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Deco: 'Door is open for Xavi to continue as Barcelona manager'

Deco: 'Door is open for Xavi to continue as Barcelona manager'
© Reuters
Barcelona sporting director Deco says that the club are open to Xavi remaining as head coach beyond the end of the season.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has insisted that the club are open to Xavi remaining as head coach beyond the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

At the end of January, following a 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal, Xavi announced that he would be standing down as manager this summer, claiming that the club "needs a change of dynamic".

Barcelona's form since his announcement has been excellent, though, winning seven of their 10 matches in all competitions, remaining unbeaten in the process.

Xavi has said on multiple occasions in recent weeks that he is standing by his decision to leave this summer.

However, Deco has said that the door remains open for the club's legendary former midfielder to stay, with Barcelona yet to hold any discussions with a potential new head coach.

FC Barcelona sporting director Deco speaks during the board meeting on September 13, 2023© Reuters

"Xavi keeps telling us that his decision is irreversible. If something changes, he has to talk to us. If he tells us he wants to continue, we should talk to him," Deco told Que T'hi Jugues.

"I didn't want Xavi to leave at the end of the season. If there is a coach with courage and who has never complained, it is Xavi.

"He is always positive, it is a luxury to work with him. He will leave for history a Barca that rebuilt itself.

"Barcelona has not made any move with any coach. We haven't spoken to anyone, but we know who is available and we are paying attention."

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique on December 13, 2023© Reuters

Luis Enrique, who is currently in charge of Paris Saint-Germain, has been linked with a return to Camp Nou as Xavi's replacement.

The Spaniard managed Barcelona between 2014 and 2017, winning two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey crowns and the Champions League during a successful spell, and Deco said that he 'really likes' the 53-year-old when asked about a possible return this summer.

"Luis Enrique? I really like him. He is a reference at all levels, as a coach, manager and as a person. He has all the things of a top coach," he added.

Former Bayern Munich and Germany head coach Hansi Flick is also allegedly being considered by Barcelona, while Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Brighton & Hove Albion's Roberto De Zerbi continue to be linked with the role.

Barcelona, who won 3-0 at Atletico Madrid on Sunday, are currently second in the La Liga table, eight points behind the leaders Real Madrid, while they will take on PSG in the quarter-finals of the Champions League next month.

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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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