Xavi to Step Down as Barcelona Boss at the End of the Season, Confirms Club Legend

Xavi made the announcement after Barcelona suffered a 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal, conceding two goals in added time at the Nou Camp. The loss has left Barcelona 10 points behind LaLiga leaders Real Madrid, with Girona also surpassing them in second place with a current tally of 52 points.

"I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barca," Xavi said.

"I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer [Barcelona fan], I cannot allow the current situation.

Xavi Hernández: "I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barça. I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation." pic.twitter.com/VSEfG2zRNt

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 27, 2024

"And mostly as a cul, thinking about the club and about the players as well, I think they will feel more free, they will be calmer. I think we play with too much tension. It's for the benefit of the board, of the club. As a cul, as a club person, I believe the best thing is to leave on June 30. Of course, I will give all I have in the four months that are left.

"To explain a bit better, the feeling of being Bara coach is unpleasant, it's cruel. You feel that often there is a lack of respect, you feel they do not value your work, and this wears you down terribly.

"It affects your mental health. I am a positive person but the energy goes down to a point where you think that there is no sense."

Xavi revealed that he had made the decision "several days ago," and despite the challenging defeat to Villarreal being the catalyst for the announcement, he would have made the decision shortly.

He expressed his hope that this decision would alleviate the stress and tension currently experienced by his team.

Semra Hunter, a Spanish football expert and Sky Sports News guest, commented on Xavi's departure on X: "It's honestly a bit bonkers to think how a coach that won a league + a Super Cup in 2.5 years with a mediocre squad at a club in financial ruin and institutional disarray can be driven from his post because of the immense pressure, scrutiny, and demands to be competitive and win."

It’s honestly a bit bonkers to think how a coach that won a league + a Super Cup in 2.5 years with a mediocre squad at a club in financial ruin and institutional disarray can be driven from his post because of the immense pressure, scrutiny, and demands to be competitive and win.

— Semra Hunter (@SemraHunter) January 27, 2024

Xavi is set to conclude his managerial tenure at Barcelona in less than three years, taking over in November 2021 after Ronald Koeman's departure, with a contract originally running until the end of the next season.

In his first full season, Xavi guided Barcelona to Supercopa de Espana and LaLiga titles, marking the club's first trophies since Lionel Messi's departure to PSG. However, the team has faced challenges this season, highlighted by a 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup two weeks ago, indicating a recent downturn in form.

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