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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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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid33266171224984
2GironaGirona33225669402971
3Barcelona32217464372770
4Atletico MadridAtletico33204962392364
5Athletic Bilbao331610753332058
6Real Sociedad331312846351151
7Real BetisBetis32121284038248
8Valencia32138113534147
9Getafe331013104145-443
10Villarreal32119125155-442
11Osasuna32116153746-939
12AlavesAlaves33108153138-738
13Sevilla32910134145-437
14Las PalmasLas Palmas33107163041-1137
15Rayo Vallecano32713122739-1234
16Mallorca32613132638-1231
17Celta Vigo33710163750-1331
18CadizCadiz32413152245-2325
19Granada3239203361-2818
20Almeria33111213267-3514


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