Revealed: How Barcelona legend Xavi explained his shock decision to quit as manager in emotional dressing room speech
- Xavi had announced during a press conference last January that he would resign
- New footage from the dressing room showed Xavi claiming he had become the problem
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New footage has revealed how Barcelona legend Xavi explained his decision to step down as manager to the Catalan giants’ squad last year.
Xavi had made the shock announcement at a press conference in January that he would be leaving at the end of the season.
The press conference came after Barcelona suffered a 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal, with the defending champions falling ten points behind rivals Real Madrid in La Liga.
Footage published by the Spanish television program El Chiringuito has revealed that Xavi addressed his team the following morning to explain his shock decision.
The 44-year-old started by apologizing to his team for not informing them ahead of the press conference.
New footage shows Xavi addressing Barcelona’s squad after deciding to resign
Xavi admitted he believed he was ‘becoming the problem’ as Barcelona struggled for results
Xavi had announced his decision to step down as manager at a press conference a day earlier
The press conference came after Barcelona suffered a 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal
Xavi, who had led Barcelona to the LaLiga title in his first season in charge, expressed his belief that he was becoming the problem for the Spanish giants.
‘Good morning, good morning. Look, I know it’s not an easy day, first of all because of yesterday’s great result. We will analyze it and see what happened to us,” Xavi said as he addressed the team.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t tell you anything before the press conference I held after the match.
‘I’ve decided it a long time ago. It is not a sudden anger yesterday because of the defeat. I’ve decided it for a while now.
“I think I’m starting to become the problem.”
Xavi was surrounded by his coaching staff as he delivered the emotional speech to his team.
The former Barcelona midfielder was then addressed by then club captain Sergi Roberto – who previously played alongside the club legend.
Roberto gave Xavi a moving comment in response to the manager’s speech.
Xavi and his technical staff were thanked by captain Sergi Roberto after his speech
Xavi reversed his decision, but was fired by president Joan Laporta a month later
The club legend had led Barcelona to the title in his first season but struggled in his second
“I know there are still four months to go, but I want to thank you and all the staff,” Roberto said.
At his press conference, Xaxi had claimed Barcelona needed a ‘change of direction’ and claimed his experience as manager of the club had been ‘cruel, unpleasant and unpleasant’ after hinting at unfair criticism.
Despite insisting that he would resign even if Barcelona won the Champions League, Xavi made a U-turn later in April and decided to stay on as manager.
He claimed that the support of the players, fans and the club’s hierarchy had led to his change of heart.
Xavi, who made 767 appearances for the club during his legendary career, was sacked as manager just a month later.
He was fired after publicly criticizing the club’s financial position, ending a remarkable series of events at the Catalan club.
Former Germany boss Hansi Flick was eventually appointed as Xavi’s successor at the club.
