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Xavi claims he decided to leave Barcelona at the start of the season after being made to ‘feel worthless every day’
Xavi claims he was made to “feel worthless every day” and made the decision to leave Barcelona at the beginning of the season.
The Spanish manager made his intention to leave the team official following the Blaugrana’s 5-3 setback to Villarreal in their La Liga matchup last week. Since his return to the team in November 2021, Xavi has reportedly been the subject of intense media attention, which he has now fully acknowledged, leaving him frustrated and anxious.
Xavi opened up on his struggles at Barca ahead of their clash with Osasuna, saying: “It is a mental and football issue. Failures make the team weaker and the players lower their level. The football level drops due to the mental level. That’s why the announcement of my departure. Furthermore, I believe that our work is not valued enough. I had already decided on it a long time ago, since the beginning of the season.”
When Xavi was asked if Wednesday’s match would be more emotional, he added, “With even more responsibility, not more emotional. We have a lot at stake, we have a stake in doing the best we can in the League and competing in the Champions League. I continue with the utmost enthusiasm, I am very well. I try to express what I feel. They make you feel worthless every day. It has happened to all coaches. Speaking with Pep he told me, Valverde too. I saw Luis Enrique suffer. I think we have a problem regarding the demands of this position. It is not enjoyable and it seems like you are risking your life every moment. That doesn’t happen in any club. That’s why I say it’s cruel.”
For an extended period, Barcelona has been treading carefully when it comes to Financial Fair Play (FFP) standards. As a result, they have had difficulty making any high-profile additions throughout the winter, but Xavi has insisted that the club’s dire financial situation has no bearing on his choice.
“The wear and tear of being a coach has nothing to do with the economic situation,” he added. “I am a club man and I will be until the end. The circumstances, unfortunately, have been very negative. And a very good job has been done from within. I am proud, I have a very clear conscience. I have always prioritised the club and the footballers ahead of myself. Therefore, the affection that is shown to me. I have never complained, I have adapted to the circumstances.”
Barcelona still has a chance to win both the La Liga title and the European title. With a game remaining, they are presently 11 points behind leaders Girona in fourth place in the Spanish first division. Later in February, they will play Napoli in the round of 16 of the Champions League.