Barcelona have confirmed that manager Xavi has officially signed a contract extension at the club that will run until 2025 with the option for another year.

When he took over as coach in 2021, the former Barca midfielder led the team to its first La Liga title since 2019 and to the Spanish Super Cup.

“We arrived at a difficult time, in unfavourable circumstances,” Xavi told a press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Celta Vigo.

“Last year we won two important titles. We’re in a process of transition.”

Xavi said that Barca had just won “their two best games” since he took over. They beat Real Betis 5-0 in La Liga and Royal Antwerp 5-0 in the group stage of the Champions League.

Ronald Koeman retired as a player two years before Xavi took over. Xavi has a contract with the team until June 2024, and he has won 60 of the 96 games he has managed in all competitions.

Barcelona is second in La Liga right now, just two points behind Real Madrid.

Photo by EPA/Enric Fontcuberta