Barcelona Coach Xavi Steps Down After Villarreal Defeat, Citing Stress and Team Performance

Xavi Hernández has announced that he will not continue as the coach of Barcelona after the current season, citing his inability to lift the team from a performance slump.

The decision, made several days ago but disclosed after Barcelona’s 5-3 loss to Villarreal, comes as the team trails 10 points behind Real Madrid in the Spanish league.

Xavi expressed the toll of coaching Barcelona, describing it as cruel and unpleasant, impacting his mental health and emotions. Despite leading Barcelona to Spanish Super Cup and league titles last season, this campaign has seen the team struggle and face a potential collapse.

The recent Copa del Rey quarterfinal exit and a defeat in the Spanish Super Cup preceded Xavi’s decision. He mentioned the team’s lack of maturity in holding leads and highlighted the presence of young players, despite fielding experienced players like Robert Lewandowski, Ilkay Gundogan, and others.

Barcelona faces Napoli in the Champions League round of 16 next month, and Xavi remains motivated for a long-shot bid to end his coaching stint with a European Cup.