FC Barcelona are taking on the challenge of having to look for a new head coach after this season ends. After the latest defeat to Villarreal CF, Xavi Hernandez announced that he would be parting ways with the club in the summer. However, there are certain internal issues persisting because of that in Barcelona.
Understandably, the players and the dressing room are in a state of shock. This decision of Xavi’s was made by a coach who had not informed his players of it beforehand, and they got to know alongside the fans and faculty. However, there was one man who had advised Xavi not to make this a public call.
That man was none other than Barcelona president Joan Laporta. According to AS, Laporta was against the idea of Xavi expressing his potential decision to leave publicly when the idea first circulated. He knew that such a decision being made public could cause disruption and possibly frustration, and it would be better off kept as an internal secret.
However, Xavi decided not to listen to Laporta’s words of advice and instead looked at the chaos already ensuing after the Villarreal defeat. For him, the decision to make it public became even easier and more heartfelt. Ultimately, the aftermath is that Laporta is not at all pleased with the coach’s decision, as per AS.
Even as Laporta publicly stated that he accepts Xavi’s formula, inside reports claim that he is not fully convinced. The upcoming games will allow Laporta and Barcelona to assess Xavi’s performances as coach, because there is a possibility that even an interim manager such as Rafa Marquez could be asked to come in.
From Xavi’s own perspective, however, it seems that he does not believe that the management backed him as much as possible. Doubts from both the media and those internally responsible at the club possibly pushed him into making this decision. The call to deny him any of his key transfer targets also did not sit well with him, especially with Vitor Roque arriving not too long after.
