Barcelona’s manager Xavi Hernandez has decided to step down at the end of the season.
The decision came after Barcelona’s 5-3 league loss at home to Villarreal.
He said it was the best option for the team following recent occurrences in the team.
“I have decided I will not continue beyond June 30 (the end date of his contract),” Xavi said after Saturday’s match.
“It is a common-sense decision for the good of the club. “I took this decision days ago. I already knew it. But it’s time to make it public. “I think the players could not free themselves up. I don’t want to be a problem for the club, but the opposite.”
The 44-year-old led Barcelona to the Spanish Super Cup title and the Spanish league title last season, the club’s first trophies since the exit of Lionel Messi.
