Coach Xavi announced his departure from Barcelona at the end of the current season. The decision was communicated after his team’s 5-3 defeat at home against Villarreal, in La Liga. Xavi highlighted that a change of direction is necessary, putting the club above himself. He expressed his commitment to continue giving his best to make the fans feel proud.
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The coach, the club’s idol, had been facing pressure due to recent results, such as the 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the final of the Spanish Super Cup and the elimination against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey of Spain, with a defeat by 4 to 2.
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In his final post-match press conference, Xavi indicated that he would leave the club at the end of the season if the team’s performance did not improve. “What I said is a reality, I will repeat it: if we are not at the level of competitiveness at the end of the season, the normal thing is that I have to leave, like all coaches. We are at a big club, it’s Barça. I know where I am and they will demand titles from me. Or, at least, that we be competitive”, he stated at the time.
In addition to the unsatisfactory results, the team’s defense, previously a strong point in winning La Liga last season, has been the target of criticism. Barcelona, in 2024, conceded goals in all eight games played, including matches against Real Madrid, Bilbao, Villarreal and even Barbastro, from the Spanish second division. The statistical survey on the website “Sofascore” reveals that Barcelona is the team that conceded the most goals this year (19), according to its database.