Barcelona manager Xavi has declared his intention to step down from his role at the end of the current season.
The Barca manager made the announcement following his team’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal. This loss leaves Barcelona trailing LaLiga leaders Real Madrid by a significant 10-point margin.
“I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barca. I think the situation needs to change course, and as a Culer, I cannot allow the current situation,” Xavi said.
The 44-year-old, a former midfielder, took charge of Barcelona in November 2021. He went on to secure the league title in his inaugural full season as manager.
However, the ongoing 2023-24 campaign has proven to be more challenging. Smaller clubs like Girona presenting a formidable competition to Real Madrid in the Spanish title race.
Recent months have also seen tensions rise within the club, marked by setbacks in the Spanish Supercopa final against Real Madrid. Barcelona also suffered a quarter-final exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Athletic Bilbao.
Xavi said this month he would “pack his bags” if his players lost faith in him following a 4-1 defeat by rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.
Xavi was a legendary figure at Camp Nou during his illustrious playing career. His accolades included three Champions League titles among other trophies.
In his post-match statement, he also acknowledged the pressure associated with the managerial position.
Despite bringing an end to the club’s three-season title drought, he expressed his belief that the demands of the role are too immense for an extended tenure.
Responding to queries about becoming the “Sir Alex Ferguson of Barca,” Xavi remarked, “You asked me many times that if I’d be the Sir Alex Ferguson of Barca. The truth is that it will never happen here. You guys won’t allow it — being Barca coach is so difficult. You see how they kill you, they criticise you, it affects you.”
