Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has announced that he will be parting ways with the club at the end of the season. His decision comes after the side's 5-3 defeat to Villareal at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday (January 27). With results not going FC Barcelona's ways, pressure had been mounting on the manager to deliver. However, the team's 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final and their 4-2 loss aganinst Athletic Club in the Copa del quarterfinals to go with them dropping points in the La Liga seems to have been the final nail in the coffin.
"I would like to announce that I will not remain Barca manager beyond the end of this season," Xavi, a former Barcelona legend himself, confirmed in a press conference.
"I had decided to leave a few days ago, but I think now is the right time to announce it to help reduce the tension that exists around the club. A change of dynamic is needed.
"So, as a Barca fan, thinking of the club's best interests, and of the players, I think it's the right decision. No one is bigger than the club and I am a supporter above all. I love this club," Xavi added.
Barcelona Concede Five Goals In Home La Liga Match For First Time Since 1963
The result Spanish league result for Barcelona means they are 10 points short of league leaders Real Madrid. To put their defeat against Villarreal into perspective, this was the first time they conceded five goals in a home league match since January 1963. Moreover, this happens to be the first time since 1951 that the Blaugrana have conceded four or more goals in consecutive matches.
Having said that, Barcelona remain in contention in the UEFA CHampions League and that could be the opportunity for Xavi to script a fairytale end to his coaching stint with the club.
"I think this announcement can liberate the players and help reduce the tension around the club. They don't deserve any of it -- they are a great group. In a certain way it has liberated me, too," the 44-year-old said.