Barcelona made huge mistakes with handling of Xavi - they should have fought to keep him

The scrutiny that surrounds Barcelona is unbearable and exacerbated at the best of times. At the worst, it must be similar to the constant noise of scratching on a chalkboard.

Not even a Barca legend like Xavi is immune to the intense criticism brought forth by the Catalan media. When he announced his shock resignation from the head coach's job back in January, he admitted the team was playing with «a lot of tension», later revealed he did not feel appreciated and this decision had been brewing for a while.

Pep Guardiola defended him in the aftermath: «We cannot compare the pressure we have in England and Spain in my experience. It's a thousand times higher and tougher there in Spain than here. Here for the managers is a real place to be. Obviously, there are a lot of games and six press conferences a week and a game every three days. But the pressure you feel in Barcelona is not comparable to another club. I understand completely.»

Prior to effectively handing in his notice, there were reports Xavi could have been sacked by Barcelona. Even after confirming he would stand down at the end of the season, club president Joan Laporta gave assurances Xavi would not be fired, though left a lingering implication this was due to his legendary status.

«I only accepted the proposal because it's him,» Laporta said in February. «I never thought of firing him. I want him to stay until the end of the season. I'm not going to fire him whatever happens. He doesn't deserve that. He deserves our backing.»

Whether internally or externally, Xavi clearly did not feel the love he deserved on his return to Barcelona, despite leading them back to glory and amid a number of extenuating circumstances.

It can't be forgotten that Barca were outside bets