- Xavi will resign as Barca manager on June 30th.
- Barca are 10 points behind Real Madrid in La Liga.
- Xavi made the decision after talking to Barca officials.
The ex-midfielder of Barcelona and Spain left Al Sadd, a Qatari club, and became the manager in November 2021.
He led Barca to win the Spanish title in his first full season as manager in 2022-23, but they are now 10 points behind Real Madrid, the leaders of La Liga, after losing 5-3 to Villarreal at home on Saturday.
“I’ve been a man of the club. I’ve prioritised it above even myself. I’ve given everything I have,” Xavi said.
“And I will continue to do so to make the fans feel proud.”
The 44-year-old, who had a distinguished playing career at Barcelona and won 25 trophies, will resign on 30 June even though he has a year left on his contract.
He said he made the choice after talking to Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, vice-president Rafa Yuste, and Deco, the sporting director.
"I think the club needs a change of dynamic," said Xavi. "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."
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Xavi announced this month he would “pack his bags” if his players did not trust him anymore after losing 4-1 to Real Madrid, their rivals, in the Spanish Super Cup.
Barca bounced back with two consecutive wins, but then they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday and fell further behind Villarreal in the title race.
Xavi says the job has been exhausting and he needs to step down for his mental health.
"In Barcelona, you always feel like you're not valued; you're mistreated—that's how the club works," he said.
"From a mental-health level, it's tough too. I am a positive guy, but the battery levels keep running out - and at some point, you realise there's no point in staying."
Xavi also hopes that by declaring his exit now it will “de-escalate” the situation for the rest of the season, which includes a Champions League last-16 match against Napoli next month."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," he added.
"I'm not driven by financial matters, but by my heart. I think it's the best thing for the club.
"I don't want to be a problem, but a solution, and I believe that between now and June I can still be a solution."
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