Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernández has this evening moved to shut down the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
The subject of Xavi’s place on the bench in Catalunya has of course taken its place front and centre in the Spanish media headlines for several weeks now.
This comes amid mounting pressure on the shoulders of the Spaniard, amid an altogether underwhelming stretch of form on the part of the Blaugrana.
Sent packing from the Copa del Rey, and a full eight points off the pace atop the La Liga table, many a Barcelona supporter have already turned their backs on the once-iconic midfielder, of the opinion that he simply does not require what it takes to guide the club back to glories of years gone by.
Speaking to the media on Friday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of his future was put to Xavi himself once more.
After recently hinting that he could well be on the move come the summer, this time round, though, the 44-year-old assured that he will be going nowhere any time soon.
“The board tells me to forget about leaving,” Xavi began, as cited by Fabrizio Romano.
“They are happy with the project, also the president is proud and we’re already talking regarding things about next season with Deco. Rumours about my continuity are there since August… I’m still here.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
