Barcelona’s Xavi confirms exit at end of 2023/2024 season

Barcelona manager Xavi has confirmed he will leave his role at the conclusion of the current season. The announcement comes following Barcelona’s shocking 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal on Saturday, with the Catalan club having fallen off the pace set by Real Madrid and Girona at the top of the La Liga table.

In his post-match press conference, Xavi stated: “I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barca.” He explained, “I think the situation needs to change course, and as a Culer (Barca fan), I cannot allow the current situation.” Xavi went on to say he had made the “difficult decision” after discussions with club executives, believing a “change of dynamic” is required at the club he formerly starred for as a player.

The manager stressed: “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 him to leave office on June 30.” He thanked club President Joan Laporta for his trust and felt the announcement could “de-escalate the general situation” and relieve pressure on the players. Xavi signed a contract in 2021 meant to keep him at Camp Nou until 2025.

The decision follows a dismal week for Barcelona, who also crashed out of the Copa del Rey after a 4-2 quarter-final defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. Xavi admitted “This is a time to change this dynamic” with the club still involved in the Champions League knockout stages.

As a player, Xavi made 767 appearances while helping Barcelona claim eight La Liga and four UEFA Champions League titles. “I don’t want to be a problem for the club of my heart,” he reiterated, citing his choice was based on emotion rather than money.