New footage has revealed how Barcelona legend Xavi explained his decision to step down as manager last year to the Catalan giants’ squad.
Xavi had made the shock announcement at a press conference in January that he would leave at the end of the season.
The press conference had followed Barcelona suffering a 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal, which saw the defending champions fall 10 points behind rivals Real Madrid in La Liga.
Footage published by the Spanish television programme El Chiringuito has revealed that Xavi addressed his squad the following morning to explain his shock decision.
The 44-year-old began be apologising to his team for not informing them prior to the press conference.
New footage has shown how Xavi addressed Barcelona’s squad after deciding to step down
Xavi admitted he believed he was ‘becoming the problem’ as Barcelona struggled for results
Xavi had announced his decision to step down as manager at a press conference a day before
The press conference had followed Barcelona suffering a 5-3 home defeat against Villarreal
Xavi, who had led Barcelona to the LaLiga title in his first season in charge, expressed his belief that he was becoming the problem for the Spanish giants.
‘Good morning, good morning. Look I know it’s not an easy day, firstly because of yesterday’s s****y result. We’ll analyse it and see what happened to us,’ Xavi said when addressing the team.
‘I feel bad for not having told you anything before the press conference I held after the match.
‘I have decided it for a long time. It is not a sudden anger yesterday because of the defeat. I have decided it for quite some time.
‘I think I’m starting to become the problem.’
Xavi had been surrounded by his coaching staff as he made the emotional speech to his squad.
The former Barcelona midfielder was then addressed by then club captain Sergi Roberto – who had previously played alongside the club legend.
Roberto offered a touching comment to Xavi in response to the manager’s speech.
Xavi and his coaching staff were thanked by captain Sergi Roberto following his speech
Xavi U-turned on his decision but was sacked by president Joan Laporta, left, a month later
The club legend had led Barcelona to the title in his first season but struggled in his second
‘I know there are still four months left together but I would like to thank you and all the staff,’ Roberto said.
At his press conference, Xaxi had claimed Barcelona had needed a ‘change of direction’ and claimed his experience of being the club’s manager had been a ‘cruel, unpleasant and unpleasant one’ after hinting at unfair criticism.
Despite insisting he would stand down even if Barcelona won the Champions League, Xavi later staged a U-turn in April and decided to stay on as manager.
He claimed the support of the players, fans and the club’s hierarchy had led to his change of heart.
Xavi, who played 767 matches for the club during his legendary career, was then sacked as manager just one month later.
He was dismissed after publicly criticising the club’s financial position, ending a remarkable run of events at the Catalan club.
Former Germany boss Hansi Flick was ultimately appointed as Xavi’s successor at the club.