Sam Marsden, Barcelona correspondent
Barcelona schoolmaster Xavi Hernández has introduced he’s going to reduce the membership on the finish of the season then Saturday’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal on the Olympic Stadium.
The loss got here within the wake of a 4-1 loss to Real Madrid within the Spanish Supercopa ultimate this era and a 4-2 opposite towards Athletic Club within the Copa del Rey quarterfinal simply 3 days in the past.
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Xavi, who not too long ago penned a untouched trade in till 2025, says he made the verdict earlier than the Villarreal recreation, however that now could be the appropriate day to assemble it legit.
“I would like to announce that I will not remain Barça manager beyond the end of this season,” Xavi showed in a information convention.
“I had decided a few days ago, but I think now is the moment to announce it. The club needs a change of dynamic.
“As a Barça fan, pondering of the membership’s best possible pursuits, of the avid gamers, I feel it’s the appropriate resolution.
“I have spoken about it with [president Joan] Laporta. I will give everything in the four months I have left, I still think we can have a good season and I hope we can turn things around.”
Defeat to Villarreal left Barça 10 issues in the back of LaLiga leaders Actual Madrid following their removing from the Supercopa and the Copa del Rey this era.
They continue to be within the Champions League, with Napoli to return over two legs within the spherical of 16 after era.
Xavi, 44, took over from Ronald Koeman in 2021 and led Barça to their first LaLiga name since 2019 endmost season, additionally profitable the Spanish Supercopa in 2023.
