JUST IN: Barcelona confirm manager for next season

Barcelona have now officially confirmed who will occupy their dugout next season. 

The Catalan giants have announced that Xavi will carry on as manager when the current campaign comes to an end. This comes after he announced in January that he would be leaving the club in June this year. 

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Speaking at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Blaugrana president Joan Laporta confirmed the decision. 

"Today it's my pleasure to let you know that Xavi will continue as the coach of the Barça first team," he said per Barca Centre. 

"We know that he had expressed that he would leave, but now I have the good news that we have spoken and that he has expressed his joy to continue at the helm of this project. He's very ambitious."

Xavi, meanwhile, revealed the reason he decided to stay at the LALIGA giants. 

"Everyone knows my feelings for this club. I've received a lot of confidence from the club, from the entire board and also my team, the players. This project isn't finished yet. We need to keep working hard, consolidate the project and this is the reason why I changed my decision," the Spanish tactician said. 

The announcement follows a "dramatic" meeting between the manager and the club's hierarchy on Wednesday night, which is said to have taken place at Laporta's residence. 

Following its outcome, vice president Rafa Yuste addressed reporters, stating that Blaugrana director Deco trusts Xavi, while it is also understood that the Barca president pushed hard for the Spaniard to remain in the dugout. 

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Xavi was appointed as Barca boss in November 2021, and led the team to a LALIGA title in his first full season at the helm.