After what has been a terrible start of 2024 for Barcelona, Xavi has decided to put an end to his term as team coach.
The legendary midfielder, who led the Blaugrana to a league title and to the Super Copa crown last season, will not continue coaching the Catalan side next season, as he believes he is not the right man to lead their re-build.
Speaking in the press conference following their loss to Villarreal, Xavi admitted things need to change for Barcelona to thrive, which means he will not be around for next season. The coach did not allow any questions before he shared his views on the game.
"Before you ask me all the relevant questions, I would like to announce that I will step down as Barcelona's coach on June 30. I have spoken about this decision with president Laporta and Rafa Yuste (the team's vicepresident). The current situation demands for a course correction, and as a culé, I can't allow this to continue," Xavi stated.
The former Al Sadd boss shared how this could benefit the club on the long run.
"I believe the club needs a change in the way we do things. As a culé and for the sake of our players, I think this will liberate them. We are too uptight. It is in the board's best interest for me to step down," the coach added.
Just before his statement concluded, Xavi promised to leave everything out there to help Barcelona's efforts until the end of the season.
"You know I will try my best. I believe this decision will help for the dynamics to change. That is the message I'd like to share with you," Xavi concluded.
Xavi replaced Ronald Koeman as Barcelona's coach on November 6, 2021. So far, he has coached the Blaugrana side in 122 games, with 75 of those ending in wins. Despite that positive record, the team's latest results and their lackluster displays have played a fundamental role in this decision, which comes after losing his third match in 2024, all of them conceding four goals or more.
