“On June 30, I will leave the club, it’s a decision that I took with the president, with the staff. » Xavi made this announcement on Saturday January 27, as a preamble to the press conference which followed the defeat, at home, of his FC Barcelona against Villarreal (3-5) in La Liga.
The former midfielder, who took up his duties as Barça coach in the fall of 2021, had nevertheless extended, just a few months ago, his contract at the helm of the Blaugranas until 2025. The disappointing results in decided otherwise.
“I think the situation deserves a change of direction and, as “Culer” [nickname of Barcelona supporters], I cannot allow this situation to continue,” he argued.
Third in the Spanish championship, the defending champion is now ten lengths behind its eternal rival, Real Madrid, and eight behind its astonishing neighbor Girona. Hopes of retaining his crown are dwindling.
The specter of a white season
Xavi arrived on the bench of his training club in what was surely the worst period in Barça's recent history. He allowed – last year – the team to win its first La Liga title since 2019.
But, while Barcelona tries to regain stability on the field and financially, its team is multiplying poor performances. Above all, it concedes far too many goals to remain competitive.
Eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey by Bilbao in overtime (4-2) on Wednesday, humiliated in the final of the Super Cup against its Madrid rival (4-1) in mid-January, the club is getting dangerously close to a white season.
