In the Barcelona locker room, two players broke down in tears when Xavi declared he was quitting as manager.
Xavi, who took over the club in November 2021, will step down at the end of the season, with one player urging him to reconsider his decision.
The 44-year-old, in his first full season as manager, guided Barcelona to the La Liga championship in the 2022–2023 campaign.
However, Xavi has made the decision to quit the team at the end of the current campaign, with the Catalan giants 11 points behind Girona, the league leaders. He informed the team of his decision during a speech he gave on Sunday in the locker room.
Joao Cancelo and Robert Lewandowski started crying after Xavi’s remarks, according to local outlet 3Cat. Xavi signed both Lewandowski and Cancelo. In his speech to the team, captain Sergi Roberto urged devotion through the finish of the campaign.
On his decision to step down as Barca manager, Xavi said: “I’ve been a man of the club. I’ve prioritised it above even myself. I’ve given everything I have.
“And I will continue to do so to make the fans feel proud.”
Xavi, who still has a year left on his contract, will step down from his position on June 30 after an incredible 25 honours throughout his trophy-filled playing career at Barcelona.
He added: “I think the club needs a change of dynamic. 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.”
Barca is now in fourth place in the league after losing 5-3 to Villarreal at home last weekend. On Wednesday, they will play Osasuna again.
