Xavi Has Succeeded In Making Barcelona Rise And Look Good, Laporta Has Not Spoken About Contract Extension

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez. (Photo: Instagram @xavi)

JAKARTA - Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernandez, is considered successful in bringing his team up from adversity. Barcelona, which previously seemed to have lost its identity, is considered by some to have now returned.

Under Barcelona's leadership, they have only lost once in the league since November. They are unbeaten in the competition since December 4.

A 4-0 win over arch-rivals Real Madrid last weekend extended Barcelona's unbeaten run to 13 games.

Many believe the club will soon extend the coach's contract which ends in 2024. However, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said his side had not touched on the issue.

Laporta said it was something they had to discuss. However, for now, Laporta has allowed Xavi to stay as long as he wants at Camp Nou.

"We have a coach who values Barca very much and knows the club very well. These are issues we haven't touched, which we know we have to touch on," Laporta told Mundo Deportivo, as reported by Reuters on Saturday, March 26.

"As I see it, Xavi can stay as long as he wants. One thing that happens is because he knows this institution very well and loves Barca. He knows at all times what his contribution is."

"He's done it as a player... The advantage of these great players being great coaches is that they immediately know their moment."

Xavi played for Barca for 17 years before moving in 2015 to Al-Sadd Qatar, where he ended his playing career four years later. He later became head coach of Al-Sadd and led them to seven trophies in two and a half years.

"I'm not worried about (his renewal) because I will always, as far as possible, know him professionally on a contractual basis and he has this peace of mind," Laporta said.

Barca is third in LaLiga with 54 points, 12 behind leaders Real Madrid and three behind Sevilla, both of whom have played one game more. They will next face Sevilla when they return to action on April 3 after the international break.