The press conference before the match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal was the first time that Xavi Hernandez spoke to the media since his post-match comments after the Copa del Rey clash against Athletic Club.
As was expected, a major subject discussed in this press conference was the future of Xavi at the club, as the former midfielder has seen his team miss out on two pieces of silverware in only a matter of days.
As SPORT has noted, Xavi assured the reporters that he was not too concerned with his future at the club, and was thinking only about the team’s result in every single game:
“We have been talking about my continuity since July when we lost to Arsenal. I live in a different reality from yours; I understand the club, and I know it for better or for worse, I understand the noise and that there are names, I have no problem with that.”
“What matters to me is that the team wins. Football is about details, and that’s what occupies me. We are making a great effort, competing, which is already a lot; there are two titles at stake. In June, we will see where we are.”
Despite him telling the reporters that he was not too concerned with his continuity on the Barcelona bench, Xavi still hinted at his departure by invoking examples of some previous high-profile names:
“Pep was here for four years, Luis Enrique for three, so there will be a moment when I will leave, calm down.”
“I don’t know if people are unfair to me, but it happens many times. We always value people when they leave; that’s the injustice. Now, the work of Valverde, Koeman, Busquets, who we have criticized, Jordi Alba, who is missed… it’s something to reflect on, and I hope you’ll miss me too.”
These words from Xavi implicit that the former midfielder might have already prepared himself for a departure from the club if he is unable to win anything this season.
Winning either La Liga or the Champions League looks extremely difficult this season, and going trophyless always has implications for managers at Barcelona, especially with some highly compelling names available in the market.