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Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirms plans for Xavi extension

Barcelona president confirms plans for Xavi extension
© Reuters
Barcelona president Joan Laporta reveals that the Catalan giants are set to offer Xavi a contract extension.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that the club are prepared to offer current head coach Xavi a contract extension.

As a player, Xavi made 767 appearances for the Catalan club, scoring 85 goals and providing 184 assists.

Xavi began his managerial career with Al-Sadd, and during a two-year period with the club between 2019 and 2021, he won seven trophies.

In November 2021, Xavi returned to Camp Nou, replacing Ronald Koeman in the Barcelona dugout.

Although Barcelona have been knocked out of both the Champions League and Europa League this season, they have achieved domestic success.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta pictured on August 5, 2022© Reuters

The Catalan giants currently enjoy a nine-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table as they look to end their four-year wait for a league title.

They also won the Spanish Super Cup earlier this year, and have a 1-0 advantage after the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid.

With Xavi's current deal set to expire in June 2024, Laporta has revealed that the club are keen to agree an extension with the 43-year-old.

"I have planned the renewal of Xavi even if we do not win La Liga," Laporta told reporters. "I have told him... I want to convey a message of tranquillity.

"I have already thought about the renewal. He took a gamble, he knows the club perfectly well and defends this genuine style of play that we have at Barcelona.

Barcelona coach Xavi on February 19, 2023© Reuters

"He doesn't make us stretch our arm more than our sleeve. Talking about the concern about the club's economy, he doesn't ask for crazy things. He understands the club's situation."

Xavi took charge of his 50th La Liga game on Sunday, as Barcelona battled to a 1-0 home victory over Valencia despite playing the final half hour with 10 men following Ronald Araujo's red card.

Barcelona have achieved 37 victories and picked up 118 points across Xavi's first 50 league matches.

Xavi's points tally is only bettered by Luis Enrique, who picked up 127 points in his first 50 games as Barcelona boss.

The La Liga leaders are currently preparing for Sunday's away meeting with Athletic Bilbao, who are managed by former Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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