On Friday, it was officially announced that Xavi Hernandez will be leaving Barcelona after Sunday’s trip to Sevilla. The 44-year-old was convinced to stay on until the end of next season only a few weeks ago, but he will now depart 12 months ahead of schedule.
Took over when no one wanted to. Took over when Barça were in ninth, securing Champions League football. Won the league in his first full season.
THANK YOU, LEGEND. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eFS5TCH7ZA
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 24, 2024
24 hours after the news was announced, Xavi has spoken to the media in his final pre-match press conference as head coach of Barcelona. He opened by revealing how grateful he has been to manage the first team, as per MD.
“I’m fine. It’s been a difficult few days, but I have a clear conscience. I’m proud and happy. It’s been a good two and a half years. Today I was talking about it with the staff and the players that I think we can be proud, because it wasn’t an easy situation. We’ve given it our all. We’ve been club men and we’ve done a good job, although this year we haven’t met our objectives.
“The experience has been spectacular and the learning tremendous. I want to finish in the best possible way and enjoy the last game as Barcelona coach, which has been an honour and a pleasure.”
Xavi also spoke about the meeting with Joan Laporta on Friday, when he was officially informed of the decision to sack him.
“Yesterday I spoke with the president, he told me his reasons why he thinks the coach needs to be changed. I just have to accept it, he’s the one who makes all the decisions of the club. I will always be at Barcelona’s disposal. We shook hands, hugged each other and wished each other the best. I’ll be just another Barcelona fan and I wish the best for the president, the sporting director and the players.
“They have decided this thinking because they believe they need a change of direction at the club. I was still motivated and had my ambition intact with this squad, but it wasn’t to be.”
Xavi’s focus will be on ending his time as Barcelona manager with a victory against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, which will also be in the final match to be played in La Liga this season.
Farewell best coach Real Madrid has ever seem PAHAHAHAH