Xavi has announced he will step down as Barcelona head coach at the end of the season.
The legendary midfielder, who guided the Catalan giants to La Liga success last season, made his shock announcement following Barcelona’s 5-3 defeat at home to Villarreal.
Xavi dropped the bombshell in his post-match press conference.
‘We have been talking about it with [club president Joan] Laporta and as a culé I think that the club needs a change of dynamic,’ Xavi said.
‘As a culé, thinking about the club and the players I think they will free themselves and will be calmer. Thinking as a club man I think the best thing is to leave on June 30.
‘That said, I will give my best in the remaining four months, I think we can have a good season and I hope the dynamic changes.’
Xavi made his decision public before informing his own players.
‘I haven’t told the players, tomorrow I will talk to them, today I have seen them very upset, it is one of the reasons for this change of dynamics, they do not deserve the situation we are going through.
‘There is a very good human quality, very good team and what is happening often has no explanation.
‘We have to be brave just as we were when we came, and not cling to the position and the contract. It is a situation that has to be decided like this.’
After last season’s success, Barcelona have struggled to replicate that form and are 10 points off the top of the Spanish top flight, led by arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Xavi, who won eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues with the club, ended his playing career in 2019, beginning his managerial career with Al-Saad in Qatar before returning to Catalonia in 2021.
MORE : Man Utd midfielder Hannibal Mejbri banished from Sevilla squad after ‘confrontation’ with teammate in training
MORE : Why Jude Bellingham will not be playing for Real Madrid against Las Palmas today
MORE : Barcelona pushing to sign Manchester United-linked wonderkid Lucas Bergvall
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
