Brutally honest Barcelona boss Xavi confirms he may be forced to leave

18 January 2024 , 10:06

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Barcelona manager Xavi (Image: Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Barcelona manager Xavi has hinted he could quit at the end of the season if his side fail to win any silverware.

Xavi is a Barcelona legend, having helped the club win eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues during his time as a player, and he returned to the Nou Camp as manager in 2021 following the sacking of Ronald Koeman

In his first full season in charge, Xavi guided Barcelona to the league title and the Supercopa de Espana and was rewarded with a new contract that runs until 2025. However, things have not been going to plan so far this season.

Barcelona currently sit fourth in La Liga, eight points behind top of the table Girona, and face a challenging Champions League last 16 tie against reigning Serie A champions Napoli. They also suffered an emphatic 4-1 defeat to rivals Real Madrid last week in the Supercopa de Espana final.

And speaking ahead of Barcelona's Copa del Rey clash against Unionistas, Xavi has suggested he could walk away at the end of the season if they do not end up lifting a trophy. "This year, the objective is to win important titles, the Copa del Rey, LaLiga or the Champions League," he said.

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"If the goals are not achieved, I will be the first to say that I did not achieve them and I will leave." He also said he was "destroyed" by the defeat to Real and described Barcelona's performance in the opening stages of the match as "horrible".

"I'm embarrassed," he added. "This is not the type of match we should play, especially in a final, and against Madrid. As a Barca fan, I am destroyed. I'm sorry for the fanbase. We lacked everything.

Barcelona are fourth in La Liga and were recently thrashed 4-1 by Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final (Real Madrid via Getty Images)

"We have to accept criticism. We were not up to par. I want to apologise. Congrats to Real Madrid, a deserved win. We can't start a final like this. We were horrible in the first ten minutes. We had a lot of expectations and motivation for the match. It's a shame."

Sporting director Deco was asked about Xavi's future following the loss to Real, but threw his support behind his former teammate. "The question doesn't make sense. It's a final," he responded.

"This is not the time to talk about Xavi's future. "He has the confidence of the president, the sports management... It's a tough defeat that has to be discussed, but it doesn't change anything."

Matthew Cooper