Barcelona coach, Xavier Hernández Creus, is leaving Barca
Is this the season of managers leaving their clubs? First it was Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool FC making a surprise announcement that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. Now it is the coach of Barcelona FC, Xavier Hernández Creus, announcing that he too will be leaving his club at the end of the season.
What is driving the coaches. Two weeks ago, Jose Mourinho of Roma FC parted ways with his club. For Klopp he says he wants to “get back to the gas station and refill his tank”. For Xavi he said the club needs a “change in dynamics”.
Xavi, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, assumed the role of manager in November 2021 after departing from Qatari club Al Sadd. In his inaugural full season in charge in 2022-23, he successfully led the team to the Spanish title. However, their recent 5-3 home loss against Villarreal has left them trailing La Liga leaders Real Madrid by 10 points.
Expressing his dedication to the club, Xavi stated, “I have always been committed to the club, prioritizing it even above myself. I have given my all, and I will continue to do so in order to make the fans proud.” Despite having one year remaining on his contract, the 44-year-old, who achieved 25 accolades during his illustrious playing career at Barcelona, will officially step down on 30 June.
Xavi revealed that his decision was made after discussions with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, vice-president Rafa Yuste, and sporting director Deco. “I believe the club requires a change in dynamics,” he explained. “For the benefit of the players, I think they need to liberate themselves. We have been playing with a lot of tension. For the sake of the board of directors, it is best that I depart. I will give my utmost effort. I believe all of this will contribute to a change in dynamics. This is the message I wish to convey. I believe I am making the right decision.”
Earlier this month, Xavi had stated that he would “pack his bags” if his players lost faith in him following a 4-1 defeat against rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup. Although Barcelona responded with consecutive victories, they were subsequently eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, further diminishing their chances in the title race after the recent setback against Villarreal.
Xavi anticipates that his announcement of departure will help to “de-escalate” the situation for the remainder of the season, which encompasses a Champions League last-16 tie against Napoli in the upcoming month. Even if I were to win the Champions League, I would not alter my decision. I will inform the players about it tomorrow. As the most responsible individual, I believe this will ultimately grant the players a sense of liberation,” he further stated. My motivation stems not from financial matters, but from my heartfelt convictions. I genuinely believe that this is the best course of action for the club. Rather than being a burden, I aspire to be a solution, and I firmly believe that I can continue to contribute positively until June.
