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Deco: 'Door is open for Xavi to continue as Barcelona manager'

Deco: 'Door is open for Xavi to continue as Barcelona manager'
© Reuters
Barcelona sporting director Deco says that the club are open to Xavi remaining as head coach beyond the end of the season.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has insisted that the club are open to Xavi remaining as head coach beyond the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

At the end of January, following a 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal, Xavi announced that he would be standing down as manager this summer, claiming that the club "needs a change of dynamic".

Barcelona's form since his announcement has been excellent, though, winning seven of their 10 matches in all competitions, remaining unbeaten in the process.

Xavi has said on multiple occasions in recent weeks that he is standing by his decision to leave this summer.

However, Deco has said that the door remains open for the club's legendary former midfielder to stay, with Barcelona yet to hold any discussions with a potential new head coach.

FC Barcelona sporting director Deco speaks during the board meeting on September 13, 2023© Reuters

"Xavi keeps telling us that his decision is irreversible. If something changes, he has to talk to us. If he tells us he wants to continue, we should talk to him," Deco told Que T'hi Jugues.

"I didn't want Xavi to leave at the end of the season. If there is a coach with courage and who has never complained, it is Xavi.

"He is always positive, it is a luxury to work with him. He will leave for history a Barca that rebuilt itself.

"Barcelona has not made any move with any coach. We haven't spoken to anyone, but we know who is available and we are paying attention."

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique on December 13, 2023© Reuters

Luis Enrique, who is currently in charge of Paris Saint-Germain, has been linked with a return to Camp Nou as Xavi's replacement.

The Spaniard managed Barcelona between 2014 and 2017, winning two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey crowns and the Champions League during a successful spell, and Deco said that he 'really likes' the 53-year-old when asked about a possible return this summer.

"Luis Enrique? I really like him. He is a reference at all levels, as a coach, manager and as a person. He has all the things of a top coach," he added.

Former Bayern Munich and Germany head coach Hansi Flick is also allegedly being considered by Barcelona, while Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Brighton & Hove Albion's Roberto De Zerbi continue to be linked with the role.

Barcelona, who won 3-0 at Atletico Madrid on Sunday, are currently second in the La Liga table, eight points behind the leaders Real Madrid, while they will take on PSG in the quarter-finals of the Champions League next month.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid38298187266195
2Barcelona38267579443585
3GironaGirona38256785463981
4Atletico MadridAtletico382441070432776
5Athletic Bilbao381911861372468
6Real Sociedad3816121051391260
7Real BetisBetis38141594845357
8Villarreal381411136565053
9Valencia381310154045-549
10AlavesAlaves381210163646-1046
11Osasuna38129174556-1145
12Getafe381013154254-1243
13Celta Vigo381011174657-1141
14Sevilla381011174854-641
15Mallorca38816143344-1140
16Las PalmasLas Palmas381010183347-1440
17Rayo Vallecano38814162948-1938
RCadizCadiz38615172655-2933
RAlmeria38312234375-3221
RGranada3849253879-4121


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