Soccer

Xavi announces he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season

Barcelona have fallen behind Real Madrid atop La Liga and were knocked out of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night

Xavi has said that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season. Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images
Xavi has said that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season. Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images
Sat Jan 27 2024 - 22:11

Barcelona manager Xavi has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season.

Xavi’s position has been under the spotlight as the LaLiga champions have fallen behind Real Madrid and Girona at the top of the table.

Following Saturday’s 5-3 home defeat by Villarreal, Xavi confirmed his departure in the post-match press conference.

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

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

Xavi continued: “It is a decision that I have made with the president [Joan Laporta], with [vice-president] Rafa Yuste, with [sporting director] Deco.

“I think the club needs a change of dynamic. For the good of the players, I believe that they will free themselves. We play with a lot of tension. For the good of the board of directors, it is best that I leave.

“I will give my best. I think all of that will help the dynamic change. This is the message I would like to give. I think I am doing the right thing.

“I wouldn’t change my decision even if I won the Champions League. I will tell the players tomorrow. I’m the most responsible one, so the players will finally feel free now.”

Xavi feels his decision will allow the team and club to move forward into the rest of the campaign, which will also see them in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

“This de-escalates the general situation,” he said. “Until today, good work has been done, but I think that our project, as a coach, is until June 30. This will remove tension.

Xavi has found himself under pressure as Barcelona coach of late. Photograph: Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images
Xavi has found himself under pressure as Barcelona coach of late. Photograph: Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

“I have made the decision for days, and in a way, I have freed myself, but I don’t want to be a hindrance. I have always wanted to be a solution for Barca, as I was two years and three months ago – but thinking with my heart, I think it is best for me to leave office on June 30.

“I thank the president for his trust. All this will de-escalate the general situation.”

Barcelona crashed out of the Copa del Rey with a 4-2 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in their quarter-final on Thursday night.

Villarreal scored twice in stoppage time at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys to heap further pressure on Xavi after his side had fought back from 2-0 down.

“Practically, I don’t remember a match as cruel as today’s,” said Xavi, whose contract was set to run until 2025. “This match has been unfortunate and it is a time to change this dynamic.”

The former Spain international, a 2010 World Cup winner, helped Barcelona to eight La Liga titles and four Champions League victories during his time as a player.

“I am not moved by economic matters, but by the heart,” Xavi said.

“I think it is the best for the club. I don’t want to be a problem for the club of my heart.

“I don’t want to be a problem, but a solution, and I think that between now and June I can still be a solution.”