The Barcelona players held a team lunch yesterday (Monday) at Robert Lewandowski's house following coach Xavi's decision to leave the club at the end of the season.
The lunch lasted about two hours and was attended only by the players, without a single person from the professional staff.
Xavi, 44, made the surprise announcement that he will leave in the summer after Saturday's 5-3 loss to Villarreal, which left Barca 11 points behind league leaders Girona.
It comes on the back of relegation from the Spanish Supercopa and Copa del Rey this month, further increasing the pressure on Xavi.
Xavi - who replaced Ronald Koeman at the end of 2021 - did not tell the players of his decision before making it official, with most hearing the news via social media and messages.
The Barca coach explained his reasoning to them before training on Sunday, where president Juan Laporta was also present.
Barca's players will be hoping the lunch can bring the team together as they are still in contention for two more titles.
Tomorrow Barca will host Osasuna for another home game at the Jews' Hill, when as of now the basket of goals is to finish at least in second place which will lead to the Super Cup next season, and try to go as far as possible in the Champions League, when Barca will meet Napoli in the round of 16.
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"These are difficult days for everyone," midfielder Fedri wrote on Instagram.
"We have to leave the excuses aside, be critical of ourselves and play for the coach, the team and especially for the club and the fans."
His teammate Gabi, who ended the season with a torn cruciate ligament, added: "Backs you up to the end, boss."
The defeat to Villarreal was the first time Barcelona had conceded five goals at home in a league game since 1963, when they were beaten 5-1 by Real Madrid.
They have already conceded 46 goals in 32 games this season, which is the same amount they conceded last season after 53 games.
Just thought about it again and do you know how INSANE that sounds for a La Masia product to say he's upset he's been linked to his boyhood club (Barcelona) just to stay at his current club (Arsenal)
Mikel Arteta is that guy and we gotta keep him at the helm no matter what pic.twitter.com/4JxCQePGW2
— S👻 (@scrapytweets) January 30, 2024
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Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has ruled himself out of the running to replace Xavi after reports in the Spanish media claim he has told the London club he is considering leaving.
"It's completely untrue and I'm really angry about the rumour," Arteta told a press conference on Monday.
"I am immersed in a beautiful journey with Arsenal and there is still much to do."
His decisive response hurt the claim of the fans of the Spanish league in "La Liga".
"How crazy it sounds for the league and for Barcelona that someone who grew up at La Masia says he is angry that he was linked to his boyhood club only to stay at his current club."
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