Xavi Hernandez to leave Barca at the end of the season

• Xavi Hernandez has announced that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season
• Xavi hopes that by announcing he won’t continue past this summer, things would be a bit easier on him for the remainder of the season

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season. The 44-year-old, who joined Barca in November 2021, has decided he will officially step down on 30 June despite still having a year left on his contract.

Xavi guided the Catalans to La Liga triumph last season and seemed to be the right man to lead them in the coming years. But due to Barca’s disappointing 2023-24 campaign in La Liga, he has decided to leave after giving everything that he had.

Xavi Hernandez announced on Saturday after Barcelona’s defeat to Villareal that he will not continue managing the Catalans beyond 30 June this year. Photo/ Forbes.

While announcing his decision to the media, Xavi said that he had already spoken to club president Joan Laporta, vice-president Rafa Yuste and sporting director Deco. The former Spain international appeared in the press conference room to break the news over an hour after his side lost to Villareal on Saturday.

“I’ve been a man of the club. I’ve prioritized it above even myself. I’ve given everything I have. And I will continue to do so to make the fans feel proud. 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.” Xavi is quoted by BBC Sports. 

Why Is Xavi Hernandez Stepping Down?

After reports emerged that Barcelona players were losing faith in Xavi, the 2010 World Cup winner with Spain responded by saying that he would pack his bags if the players stop believing in him. This was after Barca lost 4-1 in the Spanish Super Cup to rivals Real Madrid.

“I love this club. I’m here to bring something to it. If I don’t do it, I’ll go home. If I hadn’t won La Liga last year I wouldn’t be here.” Xavi said several days ago, as per BBC.

Barca would respond to the humiliating defeat to Real by winning the next two games. However, they found themselves in the losing end again on Wednesday when they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Athletic Bilbao. On Saturday, their hopes of defending the La Liga was dealt a huge blow when they suffered a 5-3 defeat to Villareal. The Catalans are currently ten points behind league leaders Real Madrid.

Due to the pressure mounting from fans who want to see result, Xavi has decided he won’t continue managing Barcelona for another season. The 44-year-old has had a lot of success as a player and doesn’t need to force success as a manager.

Xavi Hernandez took over from Ronald Koeman in November 2021 and led Barcelona to La Liga triumph in his first full season in charge. Photo/ Daily Post Nigeria.

Xavi hopes that by announcing he won’t continue past this summer, things would be a bit easier on him for the remainder of the season. However, one thing that is certain is he will leave even if he guides Barcelona to triumph in the Champions League this season.

“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 added.

Even though Xavi’s Barcelona have had a difficult period in domestic games, they have done a great job in the Champions League. The Catalans booked their spot in the knockout stages after finishing on top of their group.