In a surprising turn of events, Xavi Hernández has declared that he will not continue as the head coach of FC Barcelona beyond June 30, despite having a contract until 2025. This decision, revealed in a press conference following a meeting with President Joan Laporta, signals a shift in the club’s dynamics. The consensus is that Xavi will see out the current season and then part ways.
In a candid statement, Xavi shared, “Before you ask your pertinent questions, I want to announce that, starting from June 30, I will no longer be the coach of Barça. We have discussed this with Laporta and the sports department, and as a Barça fan, I believe the club needs a change in dynamics. Thinking about the club and the players, I believe they will be liberated and more at ease. As a club man, I think it’s best for me to leave on June 30.”
Xavi’s Rationale: Liberating the Club
Xavi Hernández emphasized that this decision aims to alleviate the current situation, saying, “I feel the maximum responsibility. Things have worked very well, and we’ve done a very good job, but I believe our project should only extend until June 30. This will liberate the players and ease the overall situation at the club. I’ve had this decision for days, and in a way, I’ve freed myself. I see that it doesn’t free the players and the board’s situation, and I don’t want to be a burden to the club. I want to be a solution, never a problem.”
Acknowledging the recent defensive woes, Xavi Hernández clarified, “We’ve had a completely unfortunate match, and it’s a moment for a change for the players, who don’t deserve this. It’s been a blow to see how we lose a match we had come back in. I can’t recall a match as cruel as today’s in my career. We need a change of direction for the good of the club, and this will ease the situation surrounding Barcelona fans.”
Xavi reiterated that his decision is not influenced by financial considerations, stating, “I move from the heart, and I believe it’s the best situation for the club. I don’t want to be a problem. We’ve had a completely unfortunate match, and it’s a moment for a change for the players, who don’t deserve this. It’s been a blow to see how we lose a match we had come back in.”
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Champions League
Addressing future challenges, Xavi asserted, “I have energy; it’s not an issue of energy but a change of direction. I’ll give even more in these four months. I think we can have a good season and compete in the league, despite being 10 points behind. After today’s match, with one more year in charge, the criticism would be harsher. The first year, they said I wasn’t fit to be a coach, but it’s not about that. It’s the feeling that the club will improve with our departure on June 30.”
When asked if winning the Champions League would alter his decision, Xavi Hernández affirmed, “The decision is irrevocable. I’m very rational, and I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. We need a change in dynamics. I hope we win the Champions League; we will fight and compete. I’m very optimistic. And we can compete for the league; it’s very difficult, but this will help us.”
Xavi concluded by discussing his future, saying, “I don’t know what the future holds because this position keeps me away from my family. They suffer, and I can’t be so selfish throughout my career. I’ll be at home for a while and rest, which I need with my children.”
The defeat against Villarreal has not only left the squad and fans shaken but also prompted an urgent meeting of the Sporting Commission, leading to a summit between club president Joan Laporta and coach Xavi Hernández. While the outcome of the meeting was expected to provide support for Xavi amid a crucial phase of the season, the coach himself dropped the bombshell during the subsequent press conference, announcing his departure on June 30.
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