Xavi to step down as Barcelona coach at end of season - ESPN

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season after Saturday's 5-3 defeat to Villarreal at the Olympic Stadium.

The pressure had been rising on Xavi throughout January after a string of disappointing results, including a 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final and Wednesday's 4-2 loss against Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.

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Xavi, who only recently penned a new deal until 2025, says he made the decision before the Villarreal game, but that now is the right moment to make it official.

«I would like to announce that I will not remain Barça manager beyond the end of this season,» Xavi confirmed in a news conference.

«I had decided to leave a few days ago, but I think now is the right time to announce it to help reduce the tension that exists around the club. A change of dynamic is needed.

»So, as a Barça fan, thinking of the club's best interests, and of the players, I think it's the right decision. No one is bigger than the club and I am a supporter above all. I love this club."

Defeat to Villarreal left Barça 10 points adrift of LaLiga leaders Real Madrid following their elimination from the Supercopa and the Copa del Rey this month.

Saturday's loss was the first time Barça have conceded five goals in a home LaLiga match since January 1963, when they were beaten 5-1 by Real Madrid. It's also the first time since 1951 that they have given up four goals or more in consecutive games.

They remain in the Champions League, with Napoli to come over two legs in the round of 16 next month, and Xavi is still hopeful of going out on a high.

«I will give even more in these remaining months,» he added. «I