Xavi to step down as Barcelona coach at end of season

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has introduced he’ll depart the membership at the end of the season after Saturday’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal at the Olympic Stadium.

The strain had been rising on Xavi all through January after a string of disappointing outcomes, together with a 4-1 loss to Real Madrid within the Spanish Supercopa last and Wednesday’s 4-2 loss towards Athletic Club within the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.

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Xavi, who solely lately penned a brand new deal till 2025, says he made the choice earlier than the Villarreal recreation, however that now’s the correct second to make it official.

“I would like to announce that I will not remain Barça manager beyond the end of this season,” Xavi confirmed in a information convention.

“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, considering of the membership’s greatest pursuits, and of the gamers, I feel it is the correct resolution. No one is larger than the membership and I’m a supporter above all. I like this membership.”

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.

Saturday’s loss was the first time Barça have conceded five goals in a home LaLiga match since January 1963, when they were beaten 5-1 by Real Madrid. It’s also the first time since 1951 that they have given up 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.

“I’ll give much more in these remaining months,” he added. “I nonetheless assume we will flip issues round and have a great season. I feel we will battle for LaLiga, even being 10 factors again.

“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 do not need to be an issue for the membership, I would like to be an answer. I used to be an answer two years in the past after I was appointed, however now, considering with my coronary heart and serious about the membership, it is best that I depart in the summertime.”

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 could be disagreeable,” he continued. “It’s merciless, there is a lack of respect in the direction of you, your work isn’t valued. … It’s horrible in your psychological well being 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 but communicated the choice to his gamers as a result of they had been “devastated” within the dressing room after the Villarreal recreation, however that he’ll communicate with them at coaching Sunday.

Xavi, 44, took over from Ronald Koeman in 2021 and steered Barça from ninth in LaLiga to a second-place end and Champions League qualification.

Last season, his first full marketing campaign in cost of the membership, he led the Blaugrana to their first LaLiga title since 2019 and in addition received the Spanish Supercopa.

However, the membership failed to get out of the Champions League group stage for the second season working. They have managed to attain the knockout rounds of Europe’s elite competitors this time period, however outcomes elsewhere have condemned the coach.

Losses to Madrid and Girona earlier than Christmas noticed them fall off the tempo in LaLiga, and January’s shows towards Madrid, Athletic and Villarreal served to additional enhance the doubts.

Xavi, who coached Qatari aspect Al Sadd earlier than returning to Barça, the place he spent over 20 years as a participant, instructed he won’t search for a direct return to administration when he steps down.

“I don’t know what the future holds for me because this job has meant I spend less time with my family,” he stated. “They suffer, and I can’t be so selfish for my whole career. I will spend some time at home and rest, I need to be with my kids more.”