By Tom Gott
Barcelona are ready to part ways with manager Xavi this summer, a report has claimed, after his comments on the club's transfer business left president Joan Laporta furious.
Xavi was due to step down as Barca manager this summer but recently reversed his decision, insisting he wanted to continue his project.
However, tensions have once again risen after Xavi sat in front of the media on Wednesday and insisted Barca cannot compete with Real Madrid without making any major signings which, he admitted, are highly unlikely to arrive.
According to AS, those comments have left Laporta livid as Xavi had said the exact opposite in a private conversation just a few weeks ago. Laporta was so angry, in fact, that he did not accompany the team to Thursday's game against Almeria.
Instead, Laporta has now ordered Barca officials to search for replacements for Xavi, backing up reports from RAC1 that a decision has already been made to fire the former midfielder at the end of the season.
Sporting director Deco made the trip to Portugal and is said to have left to pursue a move for Porto manager Sergio Conceicao.
As noted by The Athletic, most of Laporta's fury stems from the sacrifices the club made to hand Xavi his preferred transfer targets. The club famously sold off significant assets to raise the money needed to sign the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha, and so Xavi's decision to publicly claim he is not being given enough support in the transfer market has not gone down well.
Marca add Xavi's handling of Vitor Roque has also frustrated those in the boardroom at Barca, particularly as he approved the decision to sign the teenage striker in January.
Importantly, however, Marca's report stresses Laporta will not cut ties with Xavi despite his frustrations.
Xavi was asked about the speculation after Thursday's 2-0 win and insisted he will still be manager next season.
"They have not told me anything," Xavi said of Laporta and Deco. "Our relationship has not changed. Everything is normal.
"I said what I think is real. We fight for all the trophies and I have ambition and enthusiasm, but the situation is not easy. It does not change our reality. I am totally sure that I will be the coach next season. I have the hope that I will retain the honour of being part of this club.
"I have the ambition to win titles, but the situation is not the best, but we are working to reverse it. I am calm and have the utmost enthusiasm, and that's what I have told the president and Deco. The staff are excited and eager. Nobody has told me otherwise.
"I really want to compete and fight for Barca to win titles again, and I really want to do so with enthusiasm and ambition. We're already planning with Deco and the president for next season."
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Barcelona ready to sack Xavi this summer - report.
