I’ve spent the last two and a half years here. It hasn’t been simple. However, I believe we should be proud of the work we have accomplished.
After the team opted to split ways with the former player, Xavi Hernandez said on Saturday that he is leaving Barcelona with “a clear conscience” and that he did his best; nonetheless, he added that president Joan Laporta would have to provide an explanation for his departure.
Head coach Xavi stated, “My conscience is clear, but these have obviously been tough days.” I’ve spent the last 2.5 years here. It hasn’t been simple. However, I believe that the work we have completed should make us proud.
The 44-year-old Xavi declared that he will now “take a break” from coaching during his first press appearance since Barcelona revealed on Friday that he will not complete the remaining year of his contract.
Sunday’s match against Sevilla will be his final one as manager.
Just one month has passed since Xavi reversed his earlier decision to leave the club this summer, which he made in January.
He stated in April that he had reconsidered since the squad was performing better and he thought it could recover from a season without any trophies.
At the moment, Laporta had openly praised Xavi for his decision to stay.
However, it was reported last week that the president was not happy with the head coach’s candid remarks regarding how the club’s dire financial situation would make it difficult for it to compete with bitter rival Real Madrid.
The head coach did not provide any information regarding the reasons behind Xavi’s departure, and neither Laporta nor any other club official has explained their motivations.
“I can only appreciate the president’s reasons for believing the club needs to change, as he explained them to me. “I’m a club guy,” Xavi declared.
We gave each other hugs, shook hands, and best wishes. I’m just going to be another fan from now on. He’ll have to justify his actions.
Before Laporta lured him back to take over at Barcelona in November 2021, Xavi’s lone coaching position was at a club in Qatar.
In September, he inked a one-year contract extension after leading the squad to their first major prize since Lionel Messi’s departure—the Spanish League title, which they won previous year.
However, Barcelona found it difficult to compete this season and will finish the league far behind winners Real Madrid.
German and Spanish media outlets conjectured that Hansi Flick, a former coach of Bayern Munich, might succeed Xavi. A youthful, talented crew will be left behind for whoever takes over.
