BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Coach Xavi Hernández will stay with Barcelona for another year after all, agreeing to finish his contract to 2025 in a reversal of his decision to quit at the end of the season, two people with knowledge of the agreement said Wednesday.
The two people spoke anonymously to The Associated Press because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the deal.
Barcelona was expected to make the decision official on Thursday, when club president Joan Laporta would explain the details about the turnaround.
Spanish media said Xavi met with Laporta and sports director Deco for several hours on Wednesday before agreeing that the coach would stick around instead of leaving as initially planned.
The decision to stay with Xavi came three days after a 3-2 loss to Real Madrid that all but ended the team’s chances of winning a title.
What to listen for during Supreme Court arguments on Donald Trump and presidential immunity
What Chinese modernization means for multinationals eyeing new opportunities in China?
Hainan eyes bigger role in nation's opening
WMC to exhibit Anhui's manufacturing prowess
Chinese automakers stand out at Geneva
All rise! Former judge says 'pop
Chinese automakers stand out at Geneva