Barcelona manager Xavi says he will step down at the end of the season.
The former Barcelona and Spain midfielder took charge in November 2021 after leaving Qatari side Al Sadd.
In his first full season in charge (2022–2023), he led them to the Spanish championship. But they are now 10 points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid after losing 5-3 at home to Villarreal on Saturday.
The 44-year-old stated, “I think the situation needs to change course.” “I cannot allow the current situation.”
🚨 Xavi: “I will leave Barcelona in June”.
“We have reached a point of no return. It's time for change. As a Culé, I think that it's time to leave”.
“I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June”. pic.twitter.com/PiT9gZItRQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 27, 2024
Xavi still has a year left on his contract. He will formally step down on June 30. He had an incredible playing career at Barcelona and won 25 honors.
The 2010 World Cup winner said this month that he would “pack his bags” if his players lost faith. This was after they lost the Spanish Super Cup to rival Real Madrid 4-1.
After winning two games in a row, Barca lost to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. The loss knocked them out of the Copa del Rey and pushed them further behind Villarreal in the title race.
The Catalans made the last 16 of the Champions League. They will play Napoli, an Italian club, in February.