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Barcelona confirm position on Xavi contract extension.
The club’s attitude towards a prospective contract extension for head coach Xavi has been made plain by Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
With 20 victories out of 24 games played thus far this season, the iconic former midfielder has led Barcelona to a nine-point advantage over fierce rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Xavi hasn’t been able to reproduce that triumph on the European stage, though, with Barcelona booted out of the Champions League in the group stage by Bayern Munich and Inter, before losing to Manchester United in a two-legged Europa League knockout play-off round tie.
Nevertheless, the Spaniard’s impact at Camp Nou has been clear to see, with a defined style of play and relative calm settling down what’s been a tricky couple of years in Catalonia.
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Xavi’s existing contract as Barcelona boss is due to expire next summer, but president Laporta has suggested that an extension has already been considered – and will be offered – by the club.
“I have already thought about a renewal,” Laporta admitted. “I think we should renew him because he has earned it. He knows the house. He knows Barca. He doesn’t ask us for crazy things [as per transfers]. He perfectly understands the situation of the club.”
Together with others, Xavi oversaw the signings of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Jules Kounde, but he is dedicated to bolstering Barcelona’s team even more as they strive to regain their previous glory.
On potential new signings, Laporta added: “A central defender, it depends. We will try as far as we can to make signings. A striker, surely yes. Someone will have to leave. In midfield, I think we have a great one and I don’t think it’s necessary [to bring in new players].
He also concluded that Barça “will surely sign a full-back” before next season but reiterated that Xavi must make use of the famed La Masia academy by adding “we have an academy that for sure provides players for the first team.”