Following Barcelona’s disappointing 5-3 defeat to Villarreal at Montjuic on Saturday, Xavi Hernandez, the head coach, revealed his decision to step down from his position once the season’s end.
Xavi gathered his team to explain his choice for stepping back in the summer. The meeting was filled with emotion, and Sergi Roberto, the club captain, took the floor as well.
According to reports from Cadena SER, Roberto urged Xavi to reconsider leaving, expressing his desire for him to continue as head coach beyond the season. Additionally, Roberto apologized on behalf of himself and his teammates for the consistent poor performances in recent months.
Roberto’s plea carries personal weight, as it is anticipated that he will part ways with the club when his contract expires in the summer. The veteran midfielder was inclined to stay if Xavi remained, but with Xavi’s departure on the horizon, Roberto’s future at Barcelona becomes uncertain.