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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reflected on Xavi Hernandez's exit from the club last year. He said that the Spanish legend's comments in the public were exact opposite to their in-house conversations.
Xavi was named as Barcelona's manager in November 2021. In his first full season (2022-23), he led them to the LaLiga title and Supercopa de Espana. However, in January 2024, he announced that he would step down from his position at the end of the season.
Remembering that moment, Joan Laporta told Esport3.
“Xavi had announced his departure himself, saying he would leave at the end of the season. Then he asked to meet me at my home to explain that, in reality, he wanted to continue and felt the need to. I asked him only one question – ‘Xavi, do you believe in the team?’ He replied: ‘I believe 100% and I’ll make these players champions.’”
Laporta elaborated that the former Spain midfielder then gave a opposite statement in public, saying:
“A week later, I heard him say in a press conference that he and the team would need two years to be competitive. I thought: ‘What is this?’”
Laporta added;
“He later spoke with Deco about the possibility of changing several first-team players. As you know, I have a lot of respect for Xavi, and his words affected me deeply.
“We’ve had to make tough decisions before with Messi, Alba, Busquets, Pique, even with Xavi and Koeman… but at Barça, the institution always comes first. It is above the players, the presidents, and the coaches.”
Xavi changed his decision to leave Barcelona a few weeks after his announcement but was eventually sacked in May 2024.
Robert Lewandowski not in a hurry to take a decision over future
Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski was recently questioned regarding his future at the club, and the Polish striker said he was calm but unsure. Although he said that he was not in a hurry to take a decision about next season and told GOAL:
"I still don't know the answer. That's why I'm not in a hurry, I'm at peace with myself. And that is the most important thing. Even if, for example, the club contacted me now, I still wouldn't answer that question. Because I also have to feel what's best for me. Now I'm calm, I'm not in a hurry and, at the moment, I don't expect anything else."
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick also told Mundo Deportivo this month that it was to early to discuss Lewandowski's future at the club. The Polish player joined Barca in 2022 for a reported €50 million fee from Bayern Munich.
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