Xavi Hernández to stay on as Barcelona head coach in dramatic U-turn

Xavi had previously announced departure at end of this season.

Barcelona's Spanish coach Xavi.

Xavi Hernández has reversed his decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the season and will stay on as head coach after talks with the club president, Joan Laporta, and board members on Wednesday.

The 44-year-old had previously announced his departure after a 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal in January. Despite being under contract until the end of next season, Xavi had been expected to leave the Camp Nou before the end of June this year – but has now made a dramatic U-turn.