pgzen Joan Laporta has insisted he has a huge admiration for Xavi Hernandez and still has a good relationship with the former Barca coach. pgzen

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted he and Xavi Hernandez still have a good relationship, praising the 44-year-old for doing everything he can to push the club forward, Mundo Deportivo reported on Tuesday. ( pgzen )

Laporta brought in Xavi to take over as Barcelona manager from Ronald Koeman in November 2021, with the 44-year-old leading the Blaugrana to La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, winning 89, drawing 24 and losing 29 in 142 games before stepping down at the end of last season and the club bringing in Hansi Flick as their new manager.

Barcelona president explains decision to bring in Flick as new manager of the club was a mutual decision to push the team forward, believing the German is the right man for the job

‘Xavi is someone I admire a lot. I think, like the rest of the board, that we have to give the team a new impetus. That was the decision of the club. I am forever grateful to Xavi.’

‘He came in at a difficult time, won the league and the Super Cup, but last year everything didn’t go well. I still have the same affectionate relationship with Xavi. We have to make this push. I think Flick has the right qualities for this push.’