Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez's future 'safe for now'

Barcelona were crushed by Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final. The disappointment was yet another blow for Xavi Hernandez, who had already travelled to Saudi Arabia, having been affected by his team's slump in La Liga and their struggles in the Champions League. Even so, Joan Laporta's board has confidence in him and, at this stage, aims to take a decision at the end of the season.

This is the information offered by Helena Condis on 'Tiempo de Juego', on the 'COPE' channel, on Sunday night, after the defeat. At the same time, Albert Fernandez, on 'GOL', indicated that there are already rumours within Montjuic that are asking for the coach's sacking. For this sector of the 'Cules' board, the Spanish Super Cup was important to restore hope to the Catalan project.

It should be borne in mind that the Catalan coach has a contract until the summer of 2025 with an option to renew it for another season. He signed this deal last year, when the feeling was much better because his side had lifted La Liga title with a notable lead over Carlo Ancelotti's side, who are currently showing a much better rhythm in all competitions.

Barcelona will be back in action to face Unionistas, away from home, in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey. It is a tricky match in every sense of the word because, however strong a result in favour of the Catalans, it would be a simple game. On the other hand, if the Salamanca side pull off a shock, it is quite likely that the board's message of confidence in Xavi will lose steam.

 

January 14, 2024