Barcelona head coach Xavi has revealed that a contract extension agreement has now been reached and he remains determined to see his side maintain their positive start to the new campaign.
Xavi’s new contract is expected to keep him at the Nou Camp until at least 2025.
“My renewal was processed a few days ago. We reached an agreement a few days ago and it will be announced soon,” Xavi told a press conference.
“I already said I’m 10 out of 10 here, I’m happy. We will keep you informed (by an official announcement) but done.”
After Ronald Koeman’s departure, Xavi took over in November 2021 and won the LaLiga title by 10 points last season.
Former Al Sadd boss Xavi feels there is still more to come from his Barcelona squad.
“We came at a difficult time, in an unfavorable situation,” he said.
“When we see what we have now, we have worked very well in all areas, from the president to the sports section to the staff. We keep turning the tables.
“It’s a training and building process, but we’re doing an excellent job. This is a period of consolidation, play and results.
“I feel supported, especially when it was not so good at times last year, and I am grateful to the president for supporting me. We’re in a good moment, but we can’t stop working.”
Defender Ronald Araujo has been passed fit for Saturday’s game, with the Uruguay international sidelined for more than a month with thigh problems. Inigo Martinez, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde are also available.
Celta Vigo have lost three of their first five LaLiga matches but Xavi expects a stern test.
“We will face a Celta team that has less points than they deserve,” he said.
“(Rafael) Benitez is a very experienced coach. It was difficult for us last year and we hope to get a win and feel good at home.”
Xavi added: “The most important thing is to open up the field and have alternatives. We need to use the spaces to overcome their five-man defense, but also to attack from the inside.
“We need variations to disrupt their defensive structure.
Celta manager Rafael Benitez knows the challenge ahead of him won’t get any easier this weekend as he looks to get back into form.
“Barcelona are a team capable of attacking on the wings – they look for your back, they have inside passes,” said Benitez, who has toyed between a back five and a four-man defence.
“All this allows you to have clear ideas and have a lot of money to implement them.
Benitez told a press conference: “It will certainly be difficult; but impossible? No. If we do things right, we can make life difficult for anyone.
“Against Barcelona, not good enough, but very good (maybe) – you have to have a plan A, B and C.”