Xavi Hernandez's crucial decision: FC Barcelona future hangs in the balance

While back in January, the former midfielder seemed certain that his tenure as the Catalan club's manager would last until June, the current situation has led him to reconsider his decision for the first time. 

In recent weeks, figures from the institution, including Deco, Joan Laporta and Rafael Yuste, have expressed their desire for Xavi to continue as coach. 

According to a MARCA report, here are the reasons why the club want the 44-year-old legend to stay.

If there's one characteristic that defines Xavi, it's his Blaugrana identity. A devoted Cule since birth, the Catalan coach is deeply rooted in the club's philosophy.

The financial constraints at Barcelona continue to be significant, making options that best suit the Camp Nou dugout very challenging, if not outright unfeasible. The possibility of Rafa Marquez is on standby, but currently, it's a risky alternative.

Xavi's continuation at the helm would also bring stability to the sporting project. Having taken over the reins in November 2021, he has only completed two full seasons so far. "I hope his project will be long-term, that we are at the beginning, not halfway through. Barcelona needed to rebuild with people who know the club. And Xavi is a coach who gives you that ability and tranquility to build a team," Deco stated a few months ago.

Xavi is a legend at Barcelona, and the connection he had with the fans as a player now translates to the touchline. The coach perfectly understands and shares the demands of the Cule supporters.

Undoubtedly, Xavi isn't hesitant to give opportunities or seek solutions within the club's youth players. Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal, or Pau Cubarsí, among others, have become crucial pieces of this Barcelona side. 

Additionally, players like Ander Astralaga, Marc Casado Hector Fort and Marc Guiu, frequently make the matchday squads. Thus, faced with financial limitations, Xavi has found the solution in La Masia.

The Catalan coach is well aware of Barcelona's financial reality. In recent transfer windows, he has had to make do with players on free transfers, loans, or with very low transfer fees, such as Oriol Romeu. Xavi knows that little, if anything, will change this summer.

Ilkay Gundogan, Robert Lewandowski, Sergi Roberto... the team's key players reacted swiftly when Xavi announced in January that he would leave Barcelona in June. For instance, Gundogan cited Xavi's presence as a factor in his decision to join the club, while Lewandowski emphasized that for the Catalan, Barcelona was more than just a club.

Despite the squad's financial constraints, Xavi has clinched two titles in the two and a half seasons he has been in charge. In the 22-23 season, he secured La Liga and the Supercopa. This campaign, they came up empty-handed domestically but made strides in the Champions League reaching the quarter-finals and are currently second in the La Liga standings behind Real Madrid.

READ MORE: Barcelona threaten legal action over disallowed goal against Real Madrid, eye replay