Xavi: Barcelona boss to step down when season ends

Xavi announced the decision after Barcelona lost 5-3 at home to Villarreal, a result which left them 10 points off LaLiga leaders Real Madrid

Saturday 27 January 2024 22:05, UK

Xavi will step down as Barcelona head coach at the end of the season.

He announced the decision after Barcelona lost 5-3 at home to Villarreal, conceding twice in added time at the Nou Camp.

The result which leaves them 10 points off LaLiga leaders Real Madrid. Girona are also ahead of them in second, currently on 52 points.

«I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barca,» Xavi said.

«I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation.»

Xavi added that he made the decision 'several days ago,' and although the hard defeat to Villarreal set the scene for him to announce the decision, he 'would have made' it soon enough.

He said he hoped this decision will decrease the stress and tension his team is enduring.

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Spanish football expert and Sky Sports News guest Semra Hunter said of Xavi's departure onX: «It's honestly a bit bonkers to think how a coach that won a league + a Super Cup in 2.5 years with a mediocre squad at a club in financial ruin and instituonal disarray can be driven from his post because of the immense pressure, scrutiny, and demands to be competitive and win.»

Xavi will bring an end to his tenure after less than three years, having been appointed as manager of his former club — where he won 25 major trophies — in November 2021.

The legendary midfielder replaced Ronald Koeman with his only experience a stint in Qatar with Al Sadd. He had a