Luis Enrique insists Xavi still has a future at Barcelona after the veteran midfielder played a key role in his team’s hard-fought but crucial victory over Celta Vigo.
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After Celta dominated long periods during the opening hour of the game on Sunday night, the turning point came with Enrique’s introduction of the 35-year-old.
Xavi immediately stamped his authority on the game to provide Barca with a greater sense of authority and delivered a superbly whipped free-kick cross for Jeremy Mathieu’s headed winner.
Over the last fortnight Xavi has been heavily linked with a summer move to Qatari club Al Sadd, but Enrique insisted no decisions have yet been taken and that he will be delighted if the decorated playmaker stays to see out the remaining year on his contract.
“Xavi has played more games for Barcelona than anyone and he is one of the most important players in the history of the club,” he said.
“We also thought he’d leave last summer but he stayed on which was great news for us. He is focused on this final stage of the campaign. Whatever he decides to do will be accepted by all of us.”
Match-winner Mathieu, meanwhile, believes manager Enrique’s oft-criticised rotation policy was a key factor in Barca’s ability to improve as the game wore on.
Aside from the un-droppable Lionel Messi and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, every member of the Barca squad has been left out of the starting line-up on at least six occasions in this season’s league campaign, and Mathieu believes the sharing of the physical load will be a major advantage in coming weeks.
“Maybe we are a little fresher than other teams because everyone gets a chance to play and that’s important going into the final stage of the season,” said Mathieu.
The former Valencia defender has recently been given an extended run in the starting line-up and is greatly enjoying his burgeoning partnership with the in-form Gerard Pique.
“Pique is playing at a very high level,” said Mathieu. “He is outstanding and playing alongside him is simple.”
