Xavi faces risk of being fired early

Spain Instead of leading Barca until the end of the season as desired, coach Xavi could be fired within a week.

According to AS on February 12, the 3-3 draw with Granada, the team ranked second to last in La Liga, became the last straw for Barca's leadership. When witnessing Granada leading 3-2 in the 66th minute, President Joan Laporta was so angry that he threw the tray of cakes he was eating.

AS said that Laporta will only be patient for two more matches against Celta Vigo in round 25 of La Liga on February 17 and against Napoli in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 at Diego Maradona Stadium on February 21. If he has to suffer bad results, Laporta will most likely replace Xavi with the B team coach, Rafael Marquez.

Xavi directs Barca in the 3-3 draw with Granada in round 24 of La Liga on February 11 at Montjuic Stadium. Photo: QSI — Xavi directs Barca in the 3-3 draw with Granada in round 24 of La Liga on February 11 at Montjuic Stadium. Photo: *QSI*

The early dismissal could force Xavi to end his desire to lead Barca until the end of the season. Previously, right after the 3-5 home loss to Villarreal on January 27, the 44-year-old coach announced that he would leave Barca before the end of his contract in 2026. However, he still wanted to lead until the end of the season and was accepted by Laporta.

When he returned in November 2021, Xavi became Barca's savior. After taking the team from ninth to second in La Liga 2021-2022, he won La Liga and the 2022-2023 Spanish Super Cup. However, this season, Barca's performance suddenly went downhill. Xavi's team is ranked third in La Liga with 51 points after 24 matches, 10 points behind Real Madrid, lost 2-4 to Bilbao in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, lost 1-2 to Real Madrid in the first leg of La Liga at home and 1-4 in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.

Besides the results, Barca also disappointed in their playing style and confidence. Xavi's team often won by only one goal against most opponents, but lost heavily against important teams such as Girona, Bilbao, or Real.

Barca's only hope of winning the Champions League this season is to beat Napoli, who are ninth in Serie A, and reach the quarter-finals. However, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Arsenal and Bayern are the real contenders.

Currently, the Barca board has considered many coaches to replace Xavi. In addition to Marquez, the list also includes former German coach Hansi Flick, current Liverpool coach, Jurgen Klopp, former Roma coach, Jose Mourinho, current Porto coach Sergio Conceicao, current Brighton coach Robert De Zerbi and current Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil.

Before becoming a coach, Xavi was a legendary player for Barca. The former midfielder won 25 trophies in 17 years with the club, including four Champions Leagues, eight La Ligas and two trebles. Xavi also won the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2008 and 2012 with Spain.

Thanh Quy (according to AS )

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