Speaking at a press conference after the 3-5 loss to Villarreal in round 22 of La Liga in the early morning of January 28, coach Xavi said: " Things have gone too far and the situation cannot be saved. It is time for the team to make a change. As a Cule (Barca fan), I believe this is the right time to leave. I have informed the Board of Directors that I will leave the club on June 30. "
" I don't want to be a problem for the club. The best way now is to leave. Two years ago, I was the solution for Barca but now things are different, " the former Spanish midfielder added.
Xavi leaves Barca.
Coach Xavi's decision surprised fans because before that, he was personally guaranteed his future by President Joan Laporta and Sports Director Deco. In addition, the 44-year-old coach also just extended his contract until the summer of 2025.
A series of disappointing results this season, culminating in a home defeat to Villarreal in round 22 of La Liga, became the last straw that forced Xavi to decide to leave his beloved team.
Xavi became Barca's head coach in November 2021 to replace Ronald Koeman. In the following season, he helped the Camp Nou team win La Liga and the National Super Cup. However, Barca under Xavi were "weak" in cup competitions. They were continuously eliminated in the group stage for 2 consecutive seasons (2021-2022 and 2022-2023), lost in the Europa League to Frankfurt, Man Utd and most recently lost to Real Madrid in the Super Cup, lost to Bilbao in the King's Cup.
Barca's chance to defend the championship is almost gone, as they are currently in 3rd place with 44 points after 21 matches, 10 points behind the leading team Real Madrid.
" I love Barca very much but I didn't come here to play around. If I don't achieve anything, I will leave, " Xavi concluded the press conference.
Minh Tu
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