Barca convey me 'calmness and confidence': coach Xavi, despite sack reports

English Woman's Journal - Barca convey me 'calmness and confidence': coach Xavi, despite sack reports

SPORTS 18.05.2024

Barca convey me 'calmness and confidence': coach Xavi, despite sack reports / Photo: LLUIS GENE - AFP

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez insisted he still felt he had the confidence of president Joan Laporta on Saturday, despite intense speculation over his future.

Change text size:

Spanish media widely reported Friday that Xavi would be sacked in the coming weeks but the coach said Barcelona had "conveyed calmness" to him.

The 44-year-old initially said declared in January he would leave at the end of the season but made a dramatic U-turn in April after the team's form improved.

However Laporta was reportedly angry with Xavi's words earlier this week when the coach highlighted Barcelona's financial difficulties in contrast to the might of eternal rivals Real Madrid.

"The news doesn't interest me, (the club) conveys me calmness and confidence, for me absolutely nothing has changed," Xavi told a news conference.

"We'll sit down with the president, if we have to talk about something we will, but in theory everything is as it was three weeks ago."

That was when Laporta and Xavi announced the news that the coach would stay until June 2025, completing the final year of his contract.

Last season's champions Barcelona failed to win a trophy in this campaign.

In the face of Real Madrid reaching the Champions League final and appearing set to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe, Xavi was downbeat when speaking Thursday about Barca's ability to compete with Europe's biggest teams.

However the coach said Saturday his "hope and ambition" were still strong ahead of next season.

Barcelona can seal second place in La Liga if they beat Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in the penultimate league match.

"I have no doubts that things can go well, I have an extraordinary base (of players) and we understand that we can compete better next season," continued Xavi.

"Our hope and ambition is still intact."

Xavi said he had told his squad the same thing in the face of the speculation about his future.

"I haven't noticed anyone unsettled, we are focused on Rayo," added the coach, at the end of a news conference cut far shorter than usual.

O.Jonstone--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.