No regrets! Xavi defends decision to announce Barcelona departure despite their resurgence

Posted Sunday, February 25, 2024 by Goal.com

WHAT HAPPENED?
Barca went second in La Liga after crushing Getafe on Saturday - a result that secured the Blaugrana their fourth league win in five matches. Despite closing to within five points of table-toppers Real Madrid, manager Xavi stands by his decision to move on at the end of the campaign.

WHAT XAVI SAID
When asked if he was sorry that he was leaving the club, Xavi replied: "No, quite the opposite. The decision is very correct because the team has taken a step forward. I am very convinced of the decision. Not for me, but for the club. And thank the fans from the bottom of my heart for being by my side."

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Xavi announced in late January that this season would be his last as Barca boss, with his side 10 points adrift of bitter rivals Real. While they are gaining on their great adversaries, they are unlikely to retain their La Liga title and the Catalan outfit seems less cohesive this season in comparison to last. Xavi felt he needed to move on and he is standing by that, with someone else tasked with restoring them to their former glory.

WHAT NEXT?
Barca, who could find themselves eight points behind Real if they beat Sevilla on Sunday, travel to Athletic Club on March 3, before hosting Mallorca five days later. Incidentally, Girona could leapfrog them into second if they beat Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday.