Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez addressed the media last night regarding recent rumors of discord within the club’s hierarchy, following their La Liga victory against Almería.

This clarification comes amid widespread speculation about a rift between Xavi and club president Joan Laporta, primarily triggered by Xavi’s comments on the financial state of the club and its impact on squad strengthening.

The controversy ignited after Xavi’s candid pre-match press conference on Wednesday, where he underscored the financial constraints at Camp Nou and the critical need for squad reinforcements. These remarks reportedly infuriated President Laporta, who viewed them as contradictory to the discussions held in a recent meeting that also aimed to reaffirm Xavi’s position for the upcoming season.

Adding fuel to the fire, Laporta’s noticeable absence from Barcelona’s traveling party to Almería was widely interpreted as a sign of escalating tensions between the two figures. This absence was seen as a significant gesture given the context of Xavi’s statements and their apparent misalignment with boardroom perspectives.

However, speaking after the team’s 2-0 win at the Power Horse Stadium, Xavi sought to downplay the severity of the situation. He stated, “The club has not told me anything after my words yesterday. The relationship has not changed. Yesterday I only said what I think.” He emphasized his calmness about his future at the club, reaffirming the plans for the next season with his coaching staff.

“I’m calm regarding my future next season and that’s what I told Deco and Laporta,” Xavi continued, highlighting his forward-looking perspective. “I understand the noise. The environment around the club is always like that. But no, I’m calm and ready to start next season. My whole staff are very excited. We want to play the Super Cup, we want to compete for titles next season. We want to win titles again.”

These comments from Xavi reflect his desire to focus on the future and continue his role in the development of the club, despite the swirling rumors. As Barcelona gears up for upcoming competitions with an intent to reclaim their top-tier status, the management’s coherence and unity will be crucial.