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Barcelona legend Jari Litamanen has hailed club manager Xavi Hernandez, following his decision to stay with the club beyond this season.
It was a turbulent period within the Blaugrana hierarchy since January, when Xavi told the public that he had decided to exit the club at the end of the season. The manager had made frustrations with the club clear, and a shock loss to Villarreal seemed to be the final push.
Since then, members of the Barca higher-ups, including sporting director Deco and club president Joan Laporta revealing their hopes that he would change his mind. Xavi constantly reiterated that his decision would stand. However, following an impressive run of form that finally ended in a loss to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, the club made another push to convince him to stay.
It finally worked, with Xavi reversing his decision and opting to continue the sporting project at Barcelona. This has pleased Blaugrana legend Litmanen, who told Mundo Deportivo (via Barca Universal):
“Xavi has done very well with Barca. The results are good, last year they were champion. This year I have watched many games on television and although they have not emerged as champions, they have played well.”
He concluded:
“I like Barca the way they play, I like the work that Xavi has done. There are younger players, but there are also experienced players like Gündogan, Lewandowski or Christensen. It is important to do a mix of the two. It is not possible with experience alone, just as you cannot win with the youngest players."
Xavi reveals his reason for staying with Barcelona
Barcelona had already begun looking for alternatives and replacements, with Xavi certain to leave the club at the end of the season. A number of names had popped up, but it was clear that the Blaugrana board preferred Xavi staying, rather than finding another manager.
Now, it has been announced that the legend-turned-manager will remain in charge of the affairs on the pitch. He gave his reasons for changing his mind in a press conference, saying (via Tribal Football):
"Yesterday I noticed great confidence from the board, from the sports area, from the club... And the support from the footballers has been very important, who have made me see that the project cannot end now. And from the fans, who have made me see that we have to continue fighting."
While a title or trophy is now out of the question for this season, Xavi will be hoping to lead Barcelona to more trophies in the next campaign.
