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FC Barcelona Coach Xavi ‘Not Interested’ In Firing Rumors

Tom Sanderson
Senior Contributor
Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
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Updated May 18, 2024, 08:47am EDT

FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez stressed that he's "not interested" in reports about him possibly being fired, ahead of his club's last home game of the season against Rayo Vallecano.

RAC1 reported that president Joan Laporta had decided to dismiss Xavi following negative comments on Barca's financial outlook and how it hampers being able to compete with bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Xavi said that the situation at his club is "difficult economically" and nothing similar to "what used to happen 25 years ago" when the manager could demand: "I want this one, this one and this one," in reference to transfer market targets.

The report about Xavi being shown the exit door was confirmed by SPORT and other outlets, but prior to Sunday's match against Rayo, Xavi said he is "not interested in where the information comes from".

"I'm interested in having the confidence of the president and [Sporting Director] Deco, and they transmit this to me. For me nothing has changed," Xavi said.

"We'll sit down with Laporta, we're in contact. If we have to talk about something we'll do it, but we're like three weeks ago - there's a project, we've competed and nothing changes. I understand the questions but I'm calm," he added.

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Asked if anything has changed about his situation in the last 24 hours, Xavi said: "No, not at all."

"I have zero doubts that things can go well ... I understand that next year we can compete better, I have ambition intact and with this news even more."

Xavi stated that he "is focused on the job and looking forward to tomorrow's game, not on whether I deserve this or not".

"I've told the players the same thing I told you, I feel lucky," Xavi said, explaining that Laporta has given him "peace of mind to get second place".

"I'm happy because I'm at the best club in the world. Criticism makes me better. It doesn't change anything. I'm looking forward to showing that we can stay competitive. This year it hasn't worked out for us, but I'm convinced that things can go well," Xavi also said, at another point of the press conference.

Tom Sanderson
Tom Sanderson
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