Xavi announces decision to leave Barca at the end of the season

It has been one bad development to another for Barcelona faithful in the past couple of hours, as the club’s manager Xavi Hernandez confirmed he’ll depart the club on 30 June, a few minutes after overseeing their 5-3 loss to Villarreal.

The Blaugrana came back from two goals down to take the lead but late strikes from the Yellow Submarines ended their comeback hope before Xavi dropped the bombshell in his post-match press conference.

“I want to announce that on June 30 I will not continue as coach of Barcelona,” the 44-year-old said. “I decided a few days ago, but I think it’s time. The club needs a change of dynamic.”

Xavi discuses rationale behind his decision

The former Spain international continued: “I think the players could not free themselves up. I don’t want to be a problem for the club, but the opposite. Right now, if I think with my head and think about the club, the solution and the best thing is for me to leave in June, that is how I feel.

“I think this decision will help unblocking the team and the mood in here. I just told the president [Joan] Laporta now. We’ve had a meeting, it was a very human conversation, just with common sense. The trust from them is still fantastic.

“But I believe this is the moment to say this. I don’t make my decisions following money, my contract will never be a problem. I just make my choices following my heart. I don’t need anything more.

“In Barcelona, you always feel like you’re not valued, you’re mistreated — that’s how the club works. From a mental health level, it’s tough too.

“I’m a positive guy but the battery levels keep running out — and at some point, you realise there’s no point in staying.”

Xavi Hernandez was appointed Barca’s manager in November 2021, replacing Ronald Koeman and taking the team from 9th to 2nd in the league. In his first full season, he won the Super Cup and La Liga.