Following Villarreal’s contentious loss, Xavi makes an announcement: “This will ease the tension – I don’t want to be a hindrance.”
After announcing his resignation as Barcelona’s coach at the end of the current campaign, Xavi Hernández claimed to have felt “liberated” from a position he had described as “cruel and unpleasant.”
Despite the fact that his contract is valid until the next summer, he will not be staying on after June 30 of this year. As the club continued to struggle with performance and results, the former captain, midfield icon, and football philosopher stated that the team required a “change of direction” and that he could “not allow the situation to continue.” He described the choice as “common sense” and claimed that, in his opinion as “a Barcelona fan,” he was departing on “the right foot.”
“You frequently feel like there is a lack of respect and that your work is not valued,” Xavi said. It severely depletes your energy, mood, emotional condition, and mental and physical well-being. Although I consider myself to be a positive person, there comes a point where you say something doesn’t make sense. There’s no use in carrying on. That’s my explanation for it.
“Those closest to me are aware that I made this decision some time ago. I believe that the club is now impacted by this circumstance. Although it impacts me, I believe I must leave the club when it does.
After a 5-3 home loss to Villarreal left Barcelona 10 points behind league leaders Real Madrid, Xavi confirmed the news in a “human” meeting with the club’s president, Joan Laporta. However, he disclosed that he had made the choice a few days prior. Even if Barcelona won the Champions League, Xavi claimed that he would not play on, saying he had not informed the players, who had been playing with “too much tension.” He claimed there would be no issues with his contract.
Barcelona’s midweek 4-2 loss to Athletic Bilbao eliminated them from the Copa del Rey. That outcome came after Madrid defeated them 4-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final. Just before Christmas, they had also given up four against Girona. He declared, “This choice will help free up the team.”
Xavi finally made his appearance in the press conference room on Saturday night, more than an hour after the last whistle. He declared, “I would like to announce that I will not be continuing as coach of Barcelona as of June 30.” We have been in communication with the president, vice president Rafa Yuste, adviser Alejandro Echevarria, sporting director Deco, and a member of staff.
“I can’t stand it as a cule [a Barcelona supporter]; the situation has to change. It’s time to make this choice public, even if I made it days ago. I don’t want to cause the club any trouble. [I am] considering the interests of the directors, the players, and the club. Going on June 30 is, in my opinion, the greatest course of action as a club guy. We can still finish a fantastic season, therefore I’ll do all in my power during the next four months. I make my decision with composure because it makes logical.
After replacing Ronald Koeman in November 2021, Xavi guided Barcelona to the league title in his first full season there. However, this season, their output and performances have been dismal. He said he lacked an explanation for it. He said that reporters had previously questioned him about his ability to succeed Alex Ferguson at Barcelona and hold the position for an extended period of time. “But that’s impossible here,” he said in response.
By HMM