How close is Xavi to Barcelona sacking after Copa del Rey exit?

Xavi’s future at Barcelona hangs in the balance after a string of underwhelming performances.

Barcelona’s hopes of securing silverware this season took another blow as they suffered a heartbreaking exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Athletic Club in the quarter-finals. The 4-2 defeat after extra time compounded the pressure on manager Xavi, who has been under scrutiny following recent setbacks.

After a disappointing loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, Barcelona had pinned their hopes on the Copa del Rey for a shot at redemption. However, their dreams were dashed by Athletic Club, managed by former Barcelona head coach Xavi’s team.

Despite mounting pressure, the Barcelona board, as reported by SPORT, currently stands firm in support of Xavi, emphasizing the need for stability during this challenging period. While concerns loom over the team’s performance, especially in La Liga where they trail league leaders Girona by eight points, there is no immediate threat to Xavi’s position as long as the club remains in contention for a top-four finish and progresses in the UEFA Champions League.

With Barcelona set to face Napoli in the Champions League Round of 16, Xavi has an opportunity to salvage their season. However, a slump in league form coupled with an early Champions League exit could spell trouble for the 44-year-old manager. As the season progresses, Barcelona’s hierarchy remains cautious, prioritizing stability over hasty decisions that could disrupt the team’s momentum under Xavi’s leadership.