Retirement announced

Xavi to remain coach of FC Barcelona after all

Xavi Hernández will remain coach of FC Barcelona for another year after all. The 44-year-old reached an agreement with the club's top management on Wednesday evening, according to reports in the sports newspapers "Marca" and "Sport", among others. 

The club confirmed the head coach's departure shortly afterwards. The agreement comes a week after the Champions League quarter-final exit. Barcelona have all but gambled away the league title after a 3-2 defeat at Real Madrid on Sunday.

Xavi took over Barcelona in November 2021 and led the club to the championship last season. The former world and European champion had initially announced his retirement for the summer, citing his hope for a quick turnaround in his sporting fortunes and the huge mental strain of his work. His contract with the "Blaugrana" runs until 2025.