Overview
- Joan Laporta recounted that after announcing he would leave, Xavi asked to stay and privately vowed he “100%” believed he could make the current players champions.
- Laporta said his trust was shaken when Xavi soon told a press conference the team would need two years to be competitive.
- He added that Xavi then discussed with sporting director Deco replacing several first‑team players, which he saw as at odds with earlier assurances.
- Laporta framed the decision as consistent with past hard calls at Barcelona, noting that the institution takes precedence over presidents, coaches and players.
- The remarks have resurfaced as Xavi publicly backs Victor Font in the presidential race, renewing focus on the May 2024 dismissal after his January resignation announcement and brief reversal.