After the 4-1, It remains to be seen how Joan Laporta is digesting the debacle. In Riyadh, he was seen surrounded by the people closest to his leadership, such as his advisor Enric Masip, vice president Rafa Yuste and director Joan Solé.
He was also in contact with him in the Deco box area. The technical secretary already said on television that the question of whether Xavi's position was in danger did not make any sense to him. Which gives an idea of what the next steps to take will be. Stability and solidity are sought, so the project and confidence do not change due to losing a match, even if it is with overtones of humiliation.
It is very difficult for the president to change coaches, so much so that in his two stages at the head of the club (2003-2010 and from 2021) he has only made two replacements on the bench: in 2008, Rijkaard left after being able to finish the season, the fifth – after winning two Leagues and a Champions League – and in 2021 Koeman, who won a Cup, was dismissed in October, when they had only played ten League games.
Laporta's will is to hold on to Xavi, renewed until 2025, with the option of one more season, less than four months ago. On the one hand, because he believes in him, that he had to pilot the new era, to move the team forward. On the other hand, because the presence of a symbol, man of the house and champion of the last League, serves as a buffer for the president in crises.
The relationship between the coach and the manager is excellent, very fluid. And Xavi, a natural optimist and born Barcelona fan, has always aligned himself with the club's official theses. In the offices they know that they can count on the technician in the press room. An adhesion and identification to the total project, the kind that is not paid.
But in football patience and credit are not unlimited. “With me losing will have consequences,” said Joan Laporta shortly after winning the elections. It was his way of remembering that Barcelona does not accept transition seasons. Lost in the League, no one is aware that a large part of the aspirations involves doing a good job in the Champions League, because millions also come in for victories and qualifying rounds passed. There are one month and six days left until the first leg of the quarterfinals in Naples. In that time, Xavi must turn around Riyadh's image.
Before, this Thursday there is Copa del Rey in the field of Unionistas de Salamanca and on Sunday they visit Betis in the League. A stumble with such a recent wound would be a new chapter in the crisis and would open a new scenario.
