”In January I thought it was better to leave, but now I think it is best to stay because circumstances have changedhe explained this Thursday afternoon in a press conference which lasted more than an hour. I thought in January that we needed to make a change. Now I think the opposite.”
This turnaround inevitably raises questions. Did he change his mind because Barça couldn't find a suitable replacement for him? “I told him we wouldn't be looking for a coach until the end of the season.”, replied President Joan Laporta. Is it because the club was unable to pay his remaining contract year? “If I didn't continue, I wouldn't have earned a single euro”, assures Xavi. “He always said he would give up his contract year”confirms Laporta.
Stability is essential to success.
The official reason comes rather from an awareness realized in recent weeks thanks to the encouraging results and the emergence of several young people. “The complicity of the players was very important, they made me understand that this project must continue, that it is a winning project. It made me reconsider my decision and it gave me the energy to move forward.”
The watchword: stability
President Laporta and sporting director Deco were also convinced that Xavi should stay to create the stability that the club has lacked for many seasons. “When I opted for stability it went well, recalls Laporta who refers in particular to the Guardiola or Rijkaard eras. There was a desire to continue the project and we understood each other. The team we have, which is consolidating, with very young players, needs this stability. Xavi is a reference for young people, and we see it. Stability is essential to success.”
However, you will have to go through certain adjustments. “There are positive things like young people who have made their way into the first team. But losing has consequences and there will be changeswarns Laporta who will nevertheless first have to resolve the problem of financial fair play before being able to launch a recruitment worthy of the name. We work to try to achieve the 1:1 rule (Editor’s note: being able to spend the amount saved) to integrate new players.”
But losing has consequences and there will be changes.
The club is therefore working to continue its reduction in payroll and its search for profits in the midst of its economic constraints and the astronomical investments made for the complete renovation of the Camp Nou. “Today, we are still in a process of economic recovery which does not allow us to do what we want. But La Liga’s calculations are that this season or next, everything will be fine with fair play.”
The transfer window was not part of Xavi's conditions. “I feel strong and impatient. The project is not finished and we are going to give it our all. But I know the environment will continue to be cruel and unpleasant.”
