• Source:REUTERS
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In a surprising turn of events, Barcelona's manager, Xavi Hernandez, revealed on Saturday that he has made the decision to step down at the end of the season. This announcement comes after Barcelona's 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal in LaLiga, marking their third loss in the last five games across all competitions.

Barcelona currently sits in third place on the LaLiga table with 44 points, trailing 10 points behind league leaders Real Madrid and eight points behind second-placed Girona. The recent string of defeats appears to have played a role in Xavi's decision to step down as the manager.

Xavi, a former Barcelona player, took charge as the manager in November 2021, and his decision to leave at the end of the season adds another layer of uncertainty to Barcelona's future plans.

"I'd like to announce that as of June 30 I will not continue as Barca coach," he told a press conference after meeting with club president Joan Laporta for over half an hour.

"It is a situation of common sense and I have decided that on June 30th I will not continue as Barca coach.

"I think the club needs a change of dynamic and I told the president Joan Laporta. As a fan, thinking about the club and the players, I think they will be freed up and will be calmer.

"I think the best thing to do is to leave on June 30th. Having said that, I will give my all for the four months that are left, I think we can have a good season and I hope that the dynamic will change. I believe I am doing the right thing."

Xavi played for Barcelona for 17 years, making 767 appearances and winning 25 trophies, including four Champions League titles and eight LaLiga crowns.

But despite being a club great and winning LaLiga last term, Barca's stuttering campaign has put Xavi under pressure.

They were thrashed by Real in the Spanish Super Cup final earlier in January and knocked out in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals by Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. Barca face last season's Italian champions Napoli in a Champions League last-16 tie.

"I had a very human conversation with the president (Laporta), with a lot of common sense. The trust is absolute, he even got a little emotional," 44-year-old Xavi added.

"But I think it is time. 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 for the club in my heart.

"This game today is an example that we need a change of direction because it has been unfortunate and it is a time to change this dynamic. I can't remember a game as cruel as today.

"I insist. 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."

Inputs from Reuters