Marcus Chan
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season.
On Saturday night, Barcelona hosted Villarreal at the Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys as they looked to keep pace with the likes of Girona and Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table.
However, Barcelona produced a dismal display as goals from Gerard Moreno, Ilias Akhomach, Goncalo Guedes, Alexander Sorloth and Jose Luis Morales sealed a 5-3 victory for Villarreal.
Barcelona’s three goals came from Ilkay Gundogan, Pedri and an own goal by Eric Bailly.
Speaking on the back of the defeat, Xavi announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.
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He said: “I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barça. I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation.”
Xavi, who is often regarded as one of Barcelona’s best ever players, was appointed manager back in November 2021, replacing Ronald Koeman.
During his first full season in charge, Xavi led the Catalan club to the La Liga title.
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However, Barcelona’s performances in Europe was way below par after they suffered back-to-back Champions League group-stage exits.
This season, their performances in Europe improved as they managed to seal a place in the Champions League round of 16.
Domestically, Barcelona recently suffered a 4-2 defeat against Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey.
They have also dropped points against the likes of Getafe, Mallorca, Granda, Rayo Vallecano and Valencia.
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Currently, Barcelona sit third in the La Liga table, eight points behind Girona and 10 points adrift of leaders Madrid.
Xavi is now the second manager to announce their departure this week after Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp shocked the football world by revealing he will leave Anfield at the end of the 23/24 campaign.