3 Conditions Xavi Agreed Upon Before Deciding to Stay at Barcelona

Last week was arguably the most tumultuous one in FC Barcelona’s season. The side saw their 13-match winning streak come to an end and crashed out of the UCL against PSG. This was followed by an El Clasico defeat against Real Madrid. So, for Xavi, who announced his departure in January after a far from ideal season, it felt like the right decision to jump ship. However, in a U-turn of the ages, the legendary midfielder is set to continue at the club, although with certain caveats.

Xavi, in a meeting with Sporting Director Deco and President Joan Laporta, reiterated that he was still the best man to helm Barcelona. However, in establishing his continuity, Laporta has outlined 3 stipulations for the coach to abide by. Let’s dive in.

Joan Laporta laid bare 3 conditions before Xavi

The first of these is limited resources for incoming and transfers. The Culers haven’t been in the best position financially and as a result, they have resorted to La Masia graduates and shrewd purchases recently. And, it looks like the strategy will continue next season, with a superstar signing highly unlikely. However, there are rumours that the club will return to the 1:1 FFP rule, meaning Xavi could spend what they make in the transfer window.

The second condition is regarding changes in the coaching staff. One of the long-standing criticisms of Xavi’s tenure was that the coaching staff around was not very experienced. Right now, the 44-year-old is assisted by his brother Oscar Hernandez, Sergio Alegre, and Ivan Torres (fitness). Pep Guardiola’s former assistant Dominic Domènec Torrent has been linked with a return to Camp Nou. His arrival could spell the end for some of Xavi’s supporting staff.

Additionally, the president wants Xavi to qualify for the Spanish Super Cup. It is worth noting that the top 2 teams in La Liga battle it out for the Super Cup. With Barcelona currently 2nd, they look likely to fulfil this condition.

Regardless, it is interesting that Barcelona issued conditions to Xavi and not the other way around. The club were linked with lots of managerial names recently. Yet, why did they opt against a new person in charge?

The bleak managerial market could have forced Barcelona’s hand

Right now, there is a dearth of quality soccer managers available. The likes of Zinedine Zidane and Jurgen Klopp won’t be in a job next season but they won’t be managing at Camp Nou anytime soon. Also, coaches like Hansi Flick and Thomas Tuchel are serial winners but they employ a style that doesn’t resonate with Barcelona’s graceful philosophy. So naturally, the club is limited in options, and the list becomes even shorter.

Notably, Barcelona would have studied the situation at Liverpool. Following the impending exit of Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot is the favorite for the Anfield job. Despite his potential and talent, it is safe to say that Slot is not at the level of the German tactician. Perhaps, Laporta and Co would have wanted to avoid a similar mistake with Xavi, considering the alternatives.