Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has on Tuesday moved to reveal his admiration for Barcelona head coach Xavi.
As much, of course, comes amid something of a whirlwind week for the Spaniard in Catalunya’s capital.
On the pitch, Barcelona have suffered heavily over the last seven days, seeing their respective hopes in Europe and Spain brought to an end for the season.
And yet, in the midst of as much, Xavi has seemingly inched ever closer to staying put.
Since announcing his intention to step down from his post back in January, the Barca brass have been hard at work in an effort to convince the club’s beloved boss to reconsider his stance.
And, according to mounting reports, such endeavours on the part of Joan Laporta and co. appear to be doing the trick…
One individual who certainly seems to be of the opinion that it would be in the best interests of both parties if Barcelona and Xavi continue their relationship into next season, meanwhile, comes in the form of the aforementioned Arsène Wenger.
Speaking to French outlet L’Équipe, as cited by Diario Sport, on Tuesday, Arsenal icon Wenger was asked for his take on the situation on the bench in Catalunya’s capital.
And the 74-year-old made use of the opportunity to throw his backing behind Xavi:
“I think Xavi has done a very good job at Barcelona. In my opinion, he announced his departure too soon. They were not lucky against PSG, nor against Real Madrid, but they showed that they were growing again, that the team was growing together.
“When you think about the age of their players, they can only get stronger; that’s why I think I would like for Xavi to stay.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
