Under-fire Xavi to leave Barça at end of season

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season after Saturday’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal at the Olympic Stadium.

The loss came in the wake of a 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final this month and a 4-2 reverse against Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal just three days ago.

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Xavi, who recently penned a new deal until 2025, says he made the decision before the Villarreal game, but that now is the right moment to make it official.

“I would like to announce that I will not remain Barça manager beyond the end of this season,” Xavi confirmed in a news conference.

“I had decided a few days ago, but I think now is the moment to announce it. The club needs a change of dynamic.

“As a Barça fan, thinking of the club’s best interests, of the players, I think it’s the right decision.

“I have spoken about it with [president Joan] Laporta. I will give everything in the four months I have left, I still think we can have a good season and I hope we can turn things around.”

Defeat to Villarreal left Barça 10 points behind LaLiga leaders Real Madrid following their elimination from the Supercopa and the Copa del Rey this month.

They remain in the Champions League, with Napoli to come over two legs in the round of 16 next month.

Xavi, 44, took over from Ronald Koeman in 2021 and led Barça to their first LaLiga title since 2019 last season, also winning the Spanish Supercopa in 2023.