Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernández has insisted that he retains the club’s trust despite the debate about his future beyond this summer re-opening this week.
Xavi, 44, announced last month that he would remain in charge next season, fulfilling his contract which runs until 2025, despite previously revealing his intention to step down at the end of the campaign.
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However, remarks made by Xavi on Wednesday in which he referred to the financial difficulties that are hindering Barça’s attempts to compete and win trophies have created tension with president Joan Laporta.
The official version from Barcelona is that nothing has changed, but sources told ESPN “do not rule out” Xavi’s dismissal, insisting that Laporta has never fully trusted the coach.
“The club convey calmness in me,” Xavi told a news conference on Saturday ahead of Barça’s final home game of the season against Rayo Vallecano at the Olympic Stadium.
