When Barcelona realized they were not going to win the title again this season, Xavi Hernández stepped up and decided to protect the players. By deciding to step out in the midst of the season and announce that, in a few months, when the club season ends, he would leave Camp Nou, he relieved the players and got everything he hadn’t until then. He turned the spotlight on himself, and talk of his successor began far and wide, while the Catalan club breathed a sigh of relief. Barcelona has won the last six matches, remained unbeaten for 13 straight games, and this week will be decisive. In the span of just a few days, they face a rematch with Paris Saint-Germain and El Clásico. High tension days lie ahead for the Catalan club, along with big decisions, because not only can the financial picture improve by advancing to the Champions League semifinals, but Joan Laporta and his associates believe that Xavi’s categorical ‘no’ can turn into a ‘yes’.10 wins3 draws0 lossesXavi has Barcelona in ridiculous form since he announced he will leave the club 🙏 pic.twitter.com/nZeMEQni27— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 15, 2024 Xavi Hernández was unequivocal, even after Napoli’s elimination and the triumph at the Parc des Princes – he won’t change his decision. He’ll leave the club in June. However, those in charge at Barcelona aren’t giving up; they want to push through and keep him. They’re perfectly aware that the chances are slim, only existing if the season takes a drastic turn. A radical turnaround is needed. This week could bring just that if they advance to the Champions League semifinals and defeat Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, exerting pressure on their sworn enemy and at least giving themselves something to hope for. Though, their chances aren’t exactly stellar.Barcelona’s 2030 project: La Masia kids worth a billion eurosHowever, a series of positive events could influence Xavi, and the Catalan ‘Sport’ writes that Joan Laporta, the club’s president, expects only one thing if he changes his mind about leaving – to inform the public in the same manner as he did about his departure. That is, by holding a press conference. Barcelona hopes and wishes for such a scenario due to their limited options, primarily because of the financial situation. They won’t engage in bidding wars with clubs for coaches who have release clauses. Luis Enrique is out of reach, negotiations with Roberto De Zerbi haven’t progressed far, although Deco was present at a meeting. There’s less and less confidence at Camp Nou that they can secure Hansi Flick, who is available. The book has come down to two names: one is Xavi Hernández, and the other – Rafael Marquez.How to keep Xavi: Long-term project leader and Haaland in 2025Since they can’t compete financially with others, Barcelona wants to continue the trend of hiring coaches who are well acquainted with the system and who will prioritize La Masia players. There are several reasons why Barcelona believes Rafael Marquez would be a good option if Xavi doesn’t change his mind. Firstly, he’s already part of the system, achieving good results with Barça B and having an even better connection with young players. He’s familiar with the club’s economic situation, wouldn’t make unrealistic demands, and would accept the current state of affairs. He’s on the same wavelength as Joan Laporta and Deco, and on top of that, he’s represented by Jorge Mendes. Moreover, according to reports, some already refer to Rafael Marquez as ‘our coach.’ There’s a good chance he could indeed become the coach of Barcelona. Regardless, Barcelona will soon have to make a decision and it will probably come after PSG and Real games.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 31FridayBetis – Celta 2-1 (0-0)/Miranda 53, Fekir 83 – Larsen 90+1/Saturday Atl.Madrid – Girona 3-1 (2-1)/Griezman 34 pen, 50, Correa 45+6 – Dovbyk 4/Rayo Vallecano – Getafe 0-0Mallorca – Real Madrid 0-1 (0-0)/Tchouameni 48/Cadiz – Barcelona 0-1 (0-1)/Felix 37/Sunday Las Palmas – Sevilla 0-2 (0-1)/El-Nesyri 43, Lukebakio 90+3/Granada – Alaves 2-0 (2-0/Uzuni 9, Boye 38/Ath.Bilbao – Villareal 1-1 (0-0)/Sancet 66 – Parejo 90+5/Sociedad – Almeria 2-2 (1-1)/Becker 32, Oyarzabal 59 – Embarba 30, 88/Monday 22:00: (2.30) Osasuna (3.10) Valencia (3.40)***odds are subject to change***
