Xavi to Quit Barcelona After Disastrous Villarreal Defeat

• titleXavi has disclosed that he will step down as Barcelona's manager at the conclusion of the season
• The 44-year-old's choice follows Barcelona's 5-3 loss to Villarreal at home in La Liga
• Xavi returned to Barcelona in 2021 as manager. winning the league title last season

Xavi has declared his intention to step down from his role as Barcelona's manager at the conclusion of the current season.

La Blaugrana currently trails La Liga leaders Real Madrid by ten points and occupies the third position in the standings.

The announcement follows Barcelona's defeat at home to Villarreal, where they suffered a 5-3 loss.

Barcelona have faced consistent challenges in maintaining form throughout the season, enduring defeats in three of their last five matches across all competitions.

While Xavi's contract was initially set to end at the end of the season, the recent announcement firmly rules out any possibility of him extending his tenure.

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Speaking after the Villarreal game, Xavi said via Football Espana:

"I will leave Barcelona in June. “We have reached a point of no return. It's time for change.

"As a Culé, I think that it's time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June”.

The media scrutiny associated with managing a club like Barcelona appears to have become overwhelming for Xavi, perhaps contributing to his decision.

The World Cup winner mentioned that he could never envision staying at the club for as extended a period as Sir Alex Ferguson did with Manchester United, spanning 26 years.

He said: "You asked me many times that if I'd be the Sir Alex Ferguson of Barça... the truth is that it will never happen here.

Xavi's reign as Barcelona coach

Xavi assumed the role of head coach in 2021 following a managerial stint with Al-Sadd in Qatar.

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During his tenure with the Spanish giants, he led the team to a league title and a Spanish Super Cup.

Despite domestic successes, the 44-year-old faced challenges in European competitions, with his side exiting the Champions League group stages twice under his guidance.

Although the Catalan club did manage to advance to the last 16 this season, they encountered difficulties with defeats against both Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp.

Xavi apologises to Barcelona fans

Sports Brief reported on Xavi apologising to Barcelona fans after they were defeated 4-1 by bitter rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.

The 2010 World Cup winner appealed to the travelling fans for the embarrassing performance put up by the team, including allowing a first-half hat-trick by Vinicius Jr.g