FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez further opened up on the reasons which led him to announce on Saturday that he would step down as first
Xavi made his original declaration after a 5-3 defeat at home to Villarreal, and in Tuesday's press conference ahead of Wednesday's match at home to Osasuna, he was again questioned about his decision.
Raphinha of Barcelona reacts during a La Liga football match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona in Valencia, Spain, Dec. 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Str)
The 44-year-old former playing legend returned to the club as coach in November 2021 and was viewed as a savior after Barca's struggles with Ronaldo Koeman and Quique Setien in the dugout, but despite winning the 2022-2023 league title, Xavi said the pressure of working as Barca coach was enormous.
"I don't think the work has been valued enough, and this has worn me down," he commented.
"It is not because I can't stand the pressure. We arrived at one of the most difficult moments in the history of the club," he argued, saying he had announced his departure because "we need a reaction and more enthusiasm."
Xavi said he believed the constant pressure to succeed from the press and fans makes it almost impossible for coaches to remain a long time in the job.
"It's like that. They make you feel worthless every day," he insisted, looking back at the experience of recent coaches.
"Speaking with Pep (Guardiola) he already told me that. It also happened with (Ernesto) Valverde. I saw Luis Enrique suffer. We have to reflect. We have a problem with the demands of this position. It seems like you are risking your life at every moment," he said.
"It's cruel, it's not enjoyable," he said of the Barcelona coaching job.
Tuesday also saw the club confirm that Portuguese forward Joao Felix is the latest player to be added to their long injury list.
"In training on Tuesday morning the first team player Joao Felix suffered a sprain of a ligament in his right ankle. He is unavailable for selection and his recovery will dictate his return," explained the Barcelona website.
Although there is no return date, Joao Felix has to be considered a doubt for Barca's forthcoming Champions League tie against Napoli, in which they will look to keep alive their only realistic title hope left this season.
