Xavi determined to put in more work as Barcelona continue to ‘turn the tables’

Barcelona head coach Xavi has revealed an agreement on his contract extension has now been reached and he remains determined to see his side sustain their positive start to the new campaign.

Xavi’s new deal is expected to keep him at the Nou Camp through until at least 2025.

“My renewal was settled days ago. We reached an agreement a few days ago and it will be announced shortly,” Xavi told a press conference.

Xavi: “My renewal was settled days ago. We reached an agreement a few days ago and it’ll be announced shortly. I’m happy.” pic.twitter.com/HFRn2SYVGW

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 22, 2023

“I have already said that I am 10-out-of-10 here, I am happy. We will inform you (with an official announcement), but it is done.”

Following the departure of Ronald Koeman, Xavi took over in November 2021 and last season won the LaLiga title by 10 points.

Former Al Sadd boss Xavi feels there is still more to come from his Barcelona team.

“We arrived at a difficult time, in an adverse situation,” he said.

“Seeing what we have now, we have worked very well in all areas, from the president, to the sporting section, to the staff. We are still turning the tables.

“It is a process of training and construction, but we are doing excellent work. This is the season of consolidation, of play and results.

“I feel supported, especially when at times last year things were not so good, and I feel grateful to the president for supporting me. We are in a good moment – but we cannot stop working.”

MEDICAL NEWS

Araujo has been declared fit and is available for #BarçaCelta pic.twitter.com/1u3n7yNERV

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 22, 2023

Defender Ronald Araujo has been passed fit for Saturday’s game, the Uruguay international having been sidelined for more than a month by a thigh problem. Inigo Martinez, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde are also available.

Celta Vigo have lost three of their first five LaLiga games, but Xavi is expecting a stern test.

“We will face a Celta team that has fewer points than they deserve,” he said.

“(Rafael) Benitez is a very experienced coach. It was difficult for us last year, and we hope to achieve victory, feeling good at home.”