Barcelona’s coach, Xavi Hernández, has made the significant decision to depart the club at the end of the season following Saturday’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal at the Olympic Stadium.
The announcement follows a crescendo of pressure on Xavi throughout January, fueled by a series of disappointing results.
Notable among them is the 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final, marking a challenging period for Barcelona.
The pressure further intensified with Wednesday’s 4-2 defeat against Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals,
contributing to the pivotal moment of Xavi’s departure announcement.
Xavi said:
“I would like to announce that I will not remain Barça manager beyond the end of this season.”
“I had decided to leave a few days ago, but I think now is the right time to announce it to help reduce the tension that exists around the club. A change of dynamic is needed.
“So, as a Barça fan, thinking of the club’s best interests, and of the players, I think it’s the right decision.
No one is bigger than the club and I am a supporter above all. I love this club.”
Defeat to Villarreal left Barça 10 points adrift of LaLiga leaders Real Madrid following their elimination from the Supercopa and the Copa del Rey this month.
The defeat on Saturday marked the first instance since January 1963 that Barcelona conceded five goals in a home LaLiga match,
a record previously set in a 5-1 loss to Real Madrid.
Additionally, this marks the first time since 1951 that Barcelona has conceded four goals or more in consecutive games.
They remain in the Champions League, with Napoli to come over two legs in the round of 16 next month, and Xavi is still hopeful of going out on a high.
He continues
“I will give even more in these remaining months.”
“I still think we can turn things around and have a good season. I think we can fight for LaLiga, even being 10 points back.
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“I think this announcement can liberate the players and help reduce the tension around the club.
They don’t deserve any of it — they are a great group. In a certain way it has liberated me, too.
“I don’t want to be a problem for the club, I want to be a solution. I was a solution two years ago when I was appointed, but now, thinking with my heart and thinking about the club, it’s best that I leave in the summer.”
Xavi insists his decision is “irreversible” regardless of any success Barça may have between now and the end of the campaign.
“The feeling of being Barça coach can be unpleasant.”
“It’s cruel, there’s a lack of respect towards you, your work is not valued. … It’s terrible on your mental health and your morale.
“I am a positive guy, but it reaches the point where you think there is no sense in continuing. That’s how it is.”
He added that he had not yet communicated the decision to his players because they were “devastated” in the dressing room after the Villarreal game, but that he will speak with them at training Sunday.
Xavi took charge as Barcelona manager in 2021, securing victories in the 2022–23 Supercopa de España and the 2022–23 La Liga title during his inaugural full season at the helm of the club.
