Things at the club are getting worse this season. Maybe this match was the perfect representation of Barcelona’s current situation. Barca came back from a two-goal lead 3-2 at once but then conceded an equalizer; the match ended 5-2 in favor of Villarreal. This was a really horrible way to lose a match. It was a crazy night for fans, and they have lost their passion for Xavi. Maybe Xavi also understands that he might not be the solution to the current problems.
Xavi Hernandez’s key quote from the post-match interview:
“I want to announce that on June 30, I will no longer continue as the coach at Barca.”
“I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation.”
“It is a decision that I have made with the president, with Rafa Yuste, and with Deco.
“I think the club needs a change of dynamics. For the good of the players, I believe that they will free themselves. We play with a lot of tension.
“For the good of the board of directors, it is best that I leave.
“I will give my best. I think all of that will help the dynamic change. This is the message I would like to give. I think I am doing the right thing.
“I wouldn’t change my decision even if I won the Champions League. I will tell the players tomorrow. I’m the most responsible one, so the players will finally feel free now.”
“Until today, good work has been done, but I think that our project, as a coach, is until June 30. This will remove tension.
“I have made the decision for days, and in a way, I have freed myself, but I don’t want to be a hindrance.
“I have always wanted to be a solution for Barca, as I was two years and three months ago, but thinking with my heart, I think it is best for me to leave office on June 30.
Xavi came to Barça when no coach wanted to come, joined the club in one of its darkest periods, and won the Super Cup and La Liga A. Now, it is he himself who decides to leave for the good of the club, in his own words.