Xavi Opens Up on Barcelona Exit, Reveals Deep-Rooted Fractures
Xavi Hernandez, former head coach and legendary midfielder of Barcelona, has finally spoken out about his difficult departure from the club he has been deeply connected to throughout his life. This time, he didn’t just reflect on results on the pitch, but also revealed behind-the-scenes issues involving management decisions, transfer policies, and the internal atmosphere that gradually diminished his expectations for the team.
Xavi took charge of the Blaugrana from 2021 to 2024, leading them to the La Liga title in the 2022/23 season, as well as winning the Supercopa de España in the same year. It was a period that restored hope for the club after undergoing significant transitions.
However, in an interview with La Vanguardia, the Spanish coach admitted that his journey at Barcelona was far from smooth. One key issue was the club’s failure to sign Martin Zubimendi, a player Xavi had specifically requested to strengthen the midfield.
When asked why he chose to speak now, nearly two years after the events, Xavi explained that he wanted to finally share his side of the story. He had previously remained silent out of respect for Barcelona—a club he emphasized he still deeply loves, as does his entire family.
Xavi stated that several narratives presented by the club did not align with reality, which led him to feel the need to clarify things publicly. He also acknowledged that mistakes were made during his tenure, admitting that both he and his staff conducted intense internal reviews. However, what affected him most was seeing the club’s support and belief in his project gradually decline over time.
Reflecting further, Xavi recalled that when he left Qatar to take over Barcelona, he made it clear to the club president that he would only accept the job if certain transfer targets were secured. At the time, the president agreed to his conditions.
Barcelona went on to win La Liga and compete closely with Real Madrid, despite their rivals boasting world-class players like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, along with a squad fresh off Champions League success. Yet, according to Xavi, after that successful season, the ambition and standards he expected from the club began to fade.
He added that when Sergio Busquets was preparing to leave, he urged the club to sign Zubimendi as a ALLBET911 replacement. However, he was told the move was financially impossible—another major source of disappointment.
Beyond transfers, Xavi also pointed to concerning internal changes. He cited the resignation of Jordi Cruyff, claiming it stemmed from a lack of respect from the club, despite his importance to Barcelona’s football philosophy. Shortly after, Mateu Alemany was also dismissed as sporting director, even though the team had just achieved league success.
Looking back, Xavi admitted he probably should have stepped down at that point. While his staff still had control over key decisions, the team showed consistent progress. But once that control diminished, performances began to decline—a sequence he believes was no coincidence.
Regarding his relationship with club president Joan Laporta, Xavi said it was initially very strong and even a key reason why he returned to manage Barcelona. However, he ultimately felt disappointed with how things ended.
This interview is more than just a personal reflection—it sheds light on a fragile period within Barcelona, marked by high expectations, success, and internal changes that left lasting scars on Xavi Hernandez, who remains deeply attached to the club.
