Xavi believes that being the head coach of Barcelona isn’t worth it, insisting that you “can’t enjoy your daily life.”
The 44-year-old announced he would be stepping down in June after Barcelona’s home defeat to Villarreal left them 11 points behind La Liga leaders Girona.
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Earlier this month, Xavi said that he made the decision to leave his role at the start of the season — but did not rule out a return to the club in the future. He has now spoken of how the pressures that come with the job have affected him.
He said: “I am leaving because it’s been two-and-a-half-years on this role and the whole process of being the Barcelona manager is not worth it, I believe.
“You fight everyday against everything and that wears you off. You can’t enjoy your daily life. I’ve seen managers in this club suffering and struggling even when they won. Managers who won the Champions League and were questioned. This week I spoke about it with Jagoba Arrasate (Osasuna manager). He told me he enjoys his job from Monday to Friday. Well, I don’t.
“In other countries, such as England, Germany or Italy, you can enjoy the process. Here… I don’t think so.”
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Xavi’s Barcelona resignation: The full story behind his decision to step down in June
Xavi assumed the role of Barcelona’s head coach in November 2021, succeeding Ronald Koeman. Under his guidance, the Catalan club secured a commendable second-place finish at the conclusion of the campaign.
The following season, Xavi’s first full term in charge, Barcelona clinched the La Liga title in 2022-23. However, their Champions League journey faced a setback as they were eliminated in the group stage for the second consecutive year.
In the current campaign, Barcelona have struggled domestically, currently holding fourth position in La Liga.
They suffered a 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Super Cup and were eliminated by Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. Despite these setbacks, Barcelona managed to top their group in the Champions League.
Barcelona travel to face Alaves this Saturday in La Liga.
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Xavi’s late night Barcelona resignation a shock only for the dramatic timing
(Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
