Credit: X
La Liga giants Barcelona, who are currently on a seven-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, are scheduled to face defending Serie A champions Napoli in the return leg of their Round of 16 clash in the UEFA Champions League 2023-24. Ahead of their clash on Tuesday, March 12, reports have emerged that head coach Xavi Hernandez risks losing his job if the Catalan Giants fail to win at Estadi Olimpico.
Earlier this year, the 44-year-old Spanish coach Xavi shocked the club and players by announcing his exit at the end of the season. While fans and players praised Xavi for Barceona's spectacular form in La Liga, the club made efforts to convince Xavi to continue as the manager.
However, a goalless draw against Athletic Club in La Liga made it difficult for Barcelona to catch up with league toppers Real Madrid in the league title race. Barcelona are currently placed third in La Liga 2023-24 standings, eight points behind Los Blancos and one point away from second-placed Girona. With this standing, the Blaugranas have just Champions League as the only silverware left to fight for this season.
After playing a 1-1 draw in Naples, Barcelona are scheduled to host Napoli in the second leg at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Ahead of the clash, Diario AS journalist Javi Miguel claimed that Xavi could lose his job before the season ended as the Barcelona board is likely to sack the former midfielder if they fail to reach the UCL quarter-finals. With Xavi already decided to leave the club at the end of the season, Barcelona will look to replace him earlier with a new coach going forward.
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