Barcelona’s director Deco, has offered a public vote of confidence in manager Xavi Hernandez following recent reports of discontent. Xavi has faced increasing pressure due to Barcelona’s inconsistent performance and a string of disappointing results. The scrutiny is said to have intensified after reports suggested dissatisfaction from Joan Laporta and Deco regarding Xavi’s team selection in the 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano. Barcelona’s draw in the match made them lose a crucial ground in the La Liga title race.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez – Getty image However, some relief came for Xavi with a 2-1 victory over Porto in Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League clash. After the Porto match, Deco addressed the rumors, stating, “At Barcelona, there are always rumours. If we renewed Xavi, it’s because we trust him.” Barcelona recently extended Xavi’s contract, expressing their confidence in the club’s legend and player-turned-manager.
Lucas Hernandez unveiled as a PSG player. Source: Getty Commenting on his arrival at PSG, Hernandez said; “I’m really excited! I’ve been waiting to join PSG for a long time, and it’s finally happened. It’s a very special day for me and I’m very happy to be here.” Hernandez was born in France but raised in Spain, playing his youth career at Rayo Majadahonda and Atletico Madrid before progressing into the latter’s senior team. In 2019, he joined Bayern Munich, and has enjoyed four years of success with the German giants, winning the Bundesliga title every season, as well as the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2020. However, injury limited his involvement for Bayern Munich last season. The defender was restricted to 11 appearances because of a knee ligament injury suffered while on duty for France at the World Cup. 
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has said that comparisons with his former teammate and coach Pep Guardiola are not helpful for his managerial career. Despite delivering Barcelona’s first La Liga title since 2019, Xavi has faced criticism for his pragmatic style of play, which has led to several narrow victories and a strong defensive record. 
Guardiola and Xavi having a handshake at a match. Source: Getty As a former player under Guardiola, who led Barcelona to unprecedented success with his “tiki-taka” philosophy, Xavi feels burdened by the expectations to replicate his style. Speaking to TV3, he said; “The figure of Guardiola is weighing me down as a coach. I don’t think it’s fair to constantly make the comparison. It happened to me when I was a player as well. Everyone has to turn the page.” While Xavi said he does not feel there has been universal support for what he has achieved at the club, he does feel valued internally, with a new contract until 2026 expected to be agreed soon. 