Summary: Barcelona was eliminated from the cup after a 4:2 loss at Bilbao/Sport1
After the announcement that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, Xavi Hernandez spoke today (Tuesday) with the media ahead of the team's match tomorrow against Osasuna. For the first time after the announcement of his resignation.
"After the announcement that I'm leaving the club at the end of the season, unity is important," said the coach, "the reactions after my announcement were emotional, especially from the dressing room and the board."
On Barcelona's problem: "I think we need to organize ourselves more. We need to defend better and attack better. This causes a gradual decline in the performance of many players. We need to be self-critical. Be on a level."
Xavi announced that "the decision on my resignation was made a long time ago. Our work is not appreciated enough. That's why I decided at the beginning of the season to leave."
"On a daily basis, there is a lot of unity. I was surprised by the conversations. Many players came individually to talk to me. There are footballers who made me excited. I am leaving my position because I am a 'voice'. I still want to come with my family to watch the game. In these months I will give everything, Especially for footballers, who need to take a step forward."
He didn't imagine how stressful it was.
Xavi/Reuters
Who did not appreciate enough - the club, the media or fans?
"I think it is in general. It creates burnout when you think that what you do, is not appreciated... We need a response. More enthusiasm for next season. I think about the club. I want to finish well and think about the Barcelona fans. Deco and Laporte should continue the project . This is the best decision for everyone."
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Xavi added: "Some people don't understand it (the decision to leave). Starting with the players. I feel very loved and it's priceless. We did a good job. This season we didn't live up to expectations. We laid a very good foundation for the next coach.
"It's cruel to coach Barca?
that's how it is.
I try to express what I feel.
They make you feel like you don't deserve it.
From conversations with Pep, Ernesto and Luis Enrique I did not understand this.
Now I lived it.
It's not fun.
The feeling that you are risking your life all the time."
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