Xavi has managed Barcelona since 2021. The Barcelona legend revealed that he had not told his squad before making his announcement to the media on Saturday evening.
“It’s a cruel job, it wears you down,” he added.
“In Barcelona you always feel like you’re not valued, you’re mistreated — that’s how the club works.
“From a mental health level, it’s tough too.
“I’m a positive guy but the battery levels keep running out — and at some point, you realise there’s no point in staying.”
Xavi, was appointed as Barcelona head coach in November 2021 as the permanent successor to Ronald Koeman, and guided them to the La Liga title in his first full season in charge.
However, he also oversaw the club’s elimination in back-to-back Champions League group stage campaigns and Barcelona also struggled in the Europa League, losing their quarter-final against Frankfurt in 2022 and in the knockout play-off round against Manchester United the following campaign.
Barcelona did progress through their Champions League group stage this season but it was marked by disappointing defeats to Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp, while the team have not been able to replicate their strong form that saw them secure the league title in 2022-23.
The club were defeated the first Clasico of the season at home to Real Madrid, while Barcelona were also recently defeated 4-2 at home to high-flying Catalan neighbours Girona.
Xavi and his Barcelona side have also dropped points against Getafe, Mallorca, Granada, Rayo Vallecano, Valencia and Villarreal this season, seeing them slip to third in the standings behind Real Madrid and Girona.
Xavi ended Barcelona’s spell of three seasons without a league title after the club’s well-documented financial issues had a detrimental impact on their squad, with Lionel Messi among their high-profile playing departures.
What went wrong with Xavi and Barcelona?
