Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Football, Barcelona, Xavi, Sergi Roberto
Chris Byfield
One Barcelona player has reportedly asked Xavi Hernandez to reconsider his decision to step down as manager.
On Saturday Xavi announced that he would step down as Barcelona manager at the end of the season.
The former Barcelona skipper made the announcement after his side’s 5-3 loss to Villarreal at the Nou Camp.
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The result leaves Xavi’s men 10 points adrift of La Liga leaders Real Madrid and 11 points off table toppers Girona.
"I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barca," Xavi said. “I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer [Barcelona fan], I cannot allow the current situation.
"And mostly as a cul, thinking about the club and about the players as well, I think they will feel more free, they will be calmer. I think we play with too much tension. It's for the benefit of the board, of the club. As a cul, as a club person, I believe the best thing is to leave on June 30. Of course, I will give all I have in the four months that are left.
"To explain a bit better, the feeling of being Bara coach is unpleasant, it's cruel. You feel that often there is a lack of respect, you feel they do not value your work, and this wears you down terribly.
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"It affects your mental health. I am a positive person but the energy goes down to a point where you think that there is no sense."
On Sunday, a day after Xavi announced his imminent departure, the Barcelona boss reportedly met with his squad to explain why he is stepping back in the summer.
According to Cadena Ser, Xavi delivered an emotional address to his players, before club captain Sergi Roberto also spoke to his team-mates and coaching staff.
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Roberto reportedly asked Xavi to reconsider his decision to leave, insisting that he wants the Barca icon to stay as manager beyond the summer.
The Spaniard is also thought to have apologised to Xavi on behalf of his teammates for their poor form over the past few months.