It seemed that with the return of Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona sailed into calmer waters. The former captain managed to motivate the players after the financial crisis and the departure of Leo Messi. The title arrived, and then – an unexpected farewell.Many were surprised after Xavi’s recent statement that he will leave the helm of the Catalans at the end of the season. Sports director Deco is among them.Xavi’s former team-mate says that despite Barcelona trailing Real Madrid and Girona there has been no talk of him being replaced at the club. Moreover, last fall the cooperation agreement was extended until the summer of 2025.##NAJAVA_MECA_7845137##Hence the disbelief after the announcement of the separation.”I didn’t expect that. We talked every day and for weeks planned the arrival of Vitor Roque, as well as whether we need a new player due to Balde’s injury. There are always speculations, but I didn’t pay attention to them. We talked about next season, that’s why his contract was extended”, Deco told the Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia.The former Portuguese international emphasizes that Xavi enjoyed the support of President Joan Laporta.”The president wanted him until the end of his term, and Xavi initially asked for a shorter contract. He told us: ‘If I don’t win (the championship), I don’t think I will continue’. We never asked him to win the title, but to be competitive.” assures Deco.Deco: “We are not thinking about a substitute for Xavi, now is not the time. He is a legend, we are with him in everything.” pic.twitter.com/5o4D9j62mB— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 31, 2024 The sporting director of the Catalans states that the club is still getting used to the news of Xavi’s departure and that they have not yet started looking for a replacement, but he points out that whoever comes will have to have the ambition and hunger to do something big.”The new coach will have to continue the line of his predecessors. Barcelona will hardly be a team that does not play well and does not want to have the ball in its possession. Each coach has his own characteristics and ideas, but the one we choose will have to know where he is coming from.” Deco is clear.##EDITORS_CHOICE##As for Xavi’s reasons for leaving, the Brazilian with a Portuguese passport believes it could be vanity.”Xavi’s frustration is that he thinks the title from last season was not appreciated enough. The fans celebrated it, but the media and the public in general did not give it the importance it needed. Xavi came at a difficult time for the club and showed great courage. He stood up for Barcelona”, reminds Deco.
