Xavi’s tenure with Barcelona linked to Champions League glory, claims agent

Joan Laporta and Co did not waste much time in scouting their potential replacement options when Xavi announced his decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

The first month that passed after the tactician’s announcement saw Barcelona linked with names from near and far; Hansi Flick, Roberto de Zerbi, Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp, and Julian Nagelsmann to name a few.

Since then, however, there has been a period of calm – particularly due to the improved form of the Catalan club.

Laporta reintroduced the managerial topic only earlier this week in a long interview where he stated that he hoped for Xavi to continue.

Andre Cury has his say

Andre Cury, the agent of Barcelona’s young gem Vitor Roque, spoke recently about Xavi’s managerial future and stated that he would make a U-turn if one condition was met.

“If Barça wins the Champions League, Xavi will not leave. He knows the club. He is an excellent coach, and injuries and problems have made things more difficult for him,” he said (h/t FR Barca)

While the team did indeed see a significant slump towards the end of last year, Xavi’s Barcelona have turned the tables around in recent weeks.

They signed off on a high just before the ongoing international break, beating Atletico Madrid by a convincing 3-0 scoreline at Civitas Metropolitano.

Path to glory?

It is bizarre that Barcelona’s best chance of winning the UCL arrives in a season where they have been disastrous. Yet, if the team can gather their steam, the title is only five games away.

The Azulgranas take on Paris Saint-Germain in April over two legs to fight for a spot in the final four of the competition.

While the clash against Kylian Mbappe’s side will indeed be challenging, PSG are far from the worst the Catalans could have drawn up.

Should they get past the French side, they will meet either Borussia Dortmund or Atletico Madrid in the semifinal, a game in which they would be favourites.

The final, being a single game of 90 minutes, can see anything happen.

Read also: Why Barcelona need to convince Xavi to continue at the club beyond next season