Xavi explains Barcelona U-turn

Xavi agreed to remain as head coach of Barcelona after saying in January he'd leave at the end of the season

Transcript

00:00 I'll try to be brief and explain the main reasons for this change of direction.

00:08 You know I'm very Barcelona fanatic, thanks Preci for the words.

00:14 I always try to do my best for the club, I'm a club man, you know me.

00:19 And the most important thing is to think about the club.

00:23 Yesterday when we met with the president, he knows I'm always ready to help him.

00:31 I always think about the club as a priority.

00:37 I'm very confident about the president, the board, Rafa, the sports department,

00:47 Deco, Bojan and the board of directors.

00:54 It was very important to take this decision to change the direction of the club.

01:03 I think this project has to continue.

01:07 As the president said, we believe in the stability of the club.

01:11 I think this project is not over, we have to continue, we're working hard.

01:17 Even if we don't win any titles this season, this is a winning project.

01:23 And from now on, the fans will be excited.

01:27 The fans have shown me that we have to continue, we have to keep working, we have to keep fighting.

01:32 These are the main reasons for the change of direction.

01:36 I see myself as a strong player, with capacity, the staff has shown me that.

01:44 And I think about the club.

01:48 I understood that in January, that the best thing was to change the direction of the club.

01:54 The dynamic was positive for three months.

01:57 And from that moment on, we sat down with the president and we understood each other.

02:03 He is as much a fan of Barcelona as I am.

02:06 We try to do the best for the club and the club's partner.

02:10 I'm very grateful, I think it's the best decision.

02:13 And from now on, we'll work with all the excitement in the world, with this stability.

02:17 I'm happy and grateful. Thank you very much.

02:21 [Applause]