LaLiga President Javier Tebas Leaves Door Open for Xavi’s Barcelona Stay

Nearly 48 hours have passed since Xavi announced his departure from Barcelona’s bench on June 30. A decision that has not only shaken the Blaugrana club and its surroundings but has transcended borders. The football world has been dismayed by the complexity and voracity of the Catalan institution, whose unbearable pressure has not only taken down an ordinary coach but the player who has donned the Blaugrana jersey in more matches than anyone else in the club’s 125-year history (779).

Given his predisposition to express opinions on any topic, it was unusual for LaLiga president Javier Tebas not to have spoken out yet. He did so on Monday during the gala of the Madrid Sports Press Association (APDM). As is often the case with the head of the football league, Tebas did not leave anyone indifferent.

To the extent that Tebas has left the door open for Xavi to reconsider his decision and continue coaching Barcelona next season. “It happened so recently that I haven’t been able to think much about it. These are decisions that happen in clubs, some come and go,” started Tebas, before dropping the bomb: “There is a long time until June 30, and who says he won’t stay at Barcelona? We have to wait.”

Tebas downplayed what happened in the press conference after the defeat against Villarreal: “It reflects what happens when there are sporting crises, which happen in all clubs, whether economically well or poorly. Barcelona is a team that always aspires to win everything, and it is frustrating for a coach not to achieve it. We shouldn’t blow things out of proportion when things don’t work out in sports.”

“The Barça will return to normal” Tebas also did not avoid discussing the situation of the Blaugrana club. He reiterated that they are doing well economically: “There is talk of instability, and Barcelona is not what it has been in other seasons economically when it comes to signing players. It will return to normal. They are doing well on that path.” He also played down the sporting crisis that has engulfed the club in early 2024: “In sports, not everyone will always win everything. Some clubs are difficult to beat, and it’s hard to win matches. We shouldn’t make a drama out of all this.”

The LaLiga president also showed understanding for the harsh words of Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who denounced that the competition was “adulterated” by refereeing decisions and VAR in favor of Real Madrid: “These are things Laporta says after complicated refereeing, and it will pass. Humans have the right to vent. We shouldn’t give it more importance than it deserves.”