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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
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona2622224994068
2Real Madrid26175451213056
3Atletico MadridAtletico26156542192351
4Real Sociedad26146635241148
5Real BetisBetis2613673426845
6Villarreal2612593224841
7Athletic Bilbao26106103628836
8Rayo Vallecano269983130136
9Osasuna2697102227-534
10Celta Vigo2697103235-334
11Mallorca2695122227-532
12GironaGirona2687114041-131
13Getafe2678112734-729
14Sevilla2677122942-1328
15CadizCadiz26610102138-1728
16Real ValladolidValladolid2684142038-1828
17Espanyol2669113242-1027
18Valencia2675142831-326
19Almeria2675143045-1526
20ElcheElche2627171951-3213

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