FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has announced that he will be leaving the club on June 30 following their 5-3 loss to Villareal on January 27, Saturday.
Barcelona’s lastest home loss to Villareal leaves the 10 points behind Real Madrid in the race for the LaLiga title and eight behind Girona. Barca’s performances haven’t been the best this season and the pressure was seemingly mounting on the legendary midfielder.
While the club seemingly threw their support around Xavi in recent times, the manager has now decided to leave in June this year.
Barca announced on their website that Xavi had told Club President Joan Laporta, Sporting Vice President Rafa Yuest and Director of Football Deco of his decision to leave his post as first team coach at the end of the season.
Speaking at the press conference, Xavi said that he had made the decision a few days ago and felt this was the best moment to announce it.
“I had taken days ago but today was the moment to announce it,” said Xavi at the press conference.
Don’t want to be a problem at Barcelona: Xavi
Xavi went on to say that he didn’t want to be a problem ay the club but rather be a solution for the side.
“I don’t want to be a problem. I want to be a solution for Barça as I was two years ago,” said Xavi.
The former Barca midfielder said that his decision will take tension out of the situation and would give the club some time to change the dynamic at the club.
“It takes the tension out of the situation and gives the dressing room, the staff and the club a bit of room to change the dynamic,” said Xavi.
Decision is made and it can’t be changed: Xavi
With four months left until the end of the season, Xavi said that he would give his everything to ensure Barcelona still compete for the title and end up with silverware.
“In these four months I will give everything. I’ll try to give my all to try and win the league. I still think we can do it,” said Xavi.
Xavi concluded by saying that the decision he has made can’t be changed even if they win a title at the end of the season.
“The decision is made and it can’t be changed,” said Xavi.
Xavi joined Barcelona as their manager in November 2021 and won the 2022-23 LaLiga title. However, the pressure on Xavi started to grow following their 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup and their Copa del Rey exit following the loss to Athletic Bilbao.
