FC Barcelona will have to look for a new coach next summer: After the 3:5 defeat against Villarreal, Xavi announced that he would be leaving his job on June 30. It was not a knee-jerk reaction after the Catalans’ next poor performance
FC Barcelona had only just lost their next league game 3:5 against Villarreal when head coach Xavi himself made the headline of the day at the press conference on Saturday evening. “I would like to announce that I will no longer be coach of FC Barcelona from June 30,” the former world-class director made clear.
A knee-jerk reaction after another poor performance by Barcelona? Not at all! “I made my decision a few days ago because I think it’s time. The club needs a different impulse”, said Xavi and added: “As a culer, I think about the club, about the players…” He added tellingly that the players would then certainly be “calmer”.
Barcelona have been in a downward spiral for many weeks. After Saturday’s defeat, the Catalans are already ten points behind leaders Real Madrid and will struggle to catch up with their arch-rivals. Last Thursday, Barça were also dramatically defeated by Bilbao in the Copa del Rey. In the Champions League round of 16, the high hurdle of Napoli awaits, with the first leg against the reigning Italian champions on February 21 and the second leg on March 12.
For Xavi, it was “natural behavior” to put the club before himself. The club legend also spoke at length with president Joan Laporta about the decision – in a “very human conversation”. “I think it’s the right time and the best thing for the club”, explained Xavi, adding once again: “It’s time for a change of direction – especially for the players. “
Xavi has “freed himself “
Xavi wanted to “ease the overall situation” with his decision. He himself had “done a good job, but I think my time as coach has to end on June 30. That will keep the players’ backs free.” By agreeing to leave in the summer, he has also “freed himself” in a way.
The fact that Barcelona conceded their third home defeat of the season on Saturday evening fitted the picture. And what a defeat it was: “I can’t remember a game in my career that was as cruel as today,” said Xavi only after the 2-0 lead had been overturned and then completely squandered at 3:5.
Since November 2021, the Spanish world and two-time European champion had been head coach of “his” club, for which he had worked as a professional between 1998 and 2015 and previously in “La Masia”. His greatest success was the national championship at the end of last season. It is highly unlikely that he will be able to confirm this success when he leaves in the summer.
