Since Xavi Hernandez said he would be leaving Barcelona at the end of the 2023–24 season, the team’s luck has changed greatly.
The team had a rough first half of the season and didn’t look like they had a chance to defend their La Liga title.
In January, things were at their worst. In the final of the Spanish Super Cup, Real Madrid beat Xavi’s team 4-1. They then lost to Athletic Bilbao 4-2 to be eliminated from the Copa del Rey.
Things got worse on January 27 when they lost 5–3 at home to Villarreal thanks to a terrible defensive showing. The loss put them out of the title race and made people wonder if they’d even be able to finish in the top four.
Around that time, Xavi told reporters that he was leaving his favorite old club when the season was over.
As of June 30, I’m sorry to say that I will no longer be the club’s coach. “This is something we’ve been talking about,” Xavi said in his news conference after the game.
“I think things should go in a different direction, and as a Culer, I can’t let this keep going.” A few days ago, the choice was made. Based on this outcome, I think now is the right time to say this.
“The club needs to change how things work.” When I think about the club and the players, I feel like they play with too much stress. I should leave. I will always do my best with the time I have left. I still think we can finish off a great season.
It looked like the 44-year-old was firmly convinced that his move to step down would have a positive impact on the rest of the season. He told his players this again the next day.
A well-known Spanish reporter, Javi Miguel, says that the day after he made his choice public, he hugged each of his players and staff members and told them:
“I’m sorry you found out this way, but I had to do it because I had been thinking about it for a long time and couldn’t wait any longer.”
“I truly believe that it is best for everyone—for you because you will be able to play without so much stress, and for me because I am freed from a burden.”
“I’m sure we can hit the table and surprise people who already think we’re dead.”
The results since then have shown that Xavi was right to make his choice. In the last six weeks, they’ve had the best record in La Liga, with 13 more points than Girona, who was thought to be a title contender in January.
Now, a spot in the top four seems almost certain, and if Real Madrid starts to lose form, it’s not impossible that the title race could start up again.
Since Xavi made his choice public, Barcelona hasn’t lost a league game, winning six and drawing two. Even though they haven’t always played great, their big 3-0 win at Atletico Madrid—the first team to win a league game there in almost a year—shows they’re on the right track.
Also, they beat Napoli over two games in the Round of 16 and are now in the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the first time in four years.
For the whole time since Xavi said he was leaving in late January, this is how the La Liga table looks. Unless otherwise stated, all teams have played seven games.
1. Barcelona: 20 points, GD +12 (Played 8)
2. Real Madrid: 18 points, GD +13 (played 8 games);
3. Villarreal: 15 points, GD +8
Sports Club – 14 points, GD +7
5. Getafe: 12 points, GD-3 (Played 9)
6. Atletico Madrid: 11 points, GD +1 (Played 8)
7. Sevilla: 11 points, GD +1; 8. Real Sociedad: 10 points, GD 0; 9. Celta Vigo: 10 points, GD -1;
10. Spain: 10 points, GD-3
11. Osasuna: 10 points, GD: 4 (Played 8)
12. Real Betis: 8 points, GD 0; 13. Valencia: 8 points, GD -1 (Played 6)
14. Almería: 7 points, GD -1
16. Cadiz: 6 points, GD -4; 17. Alaves: 6 points, GD -4; 18. Las Palmas: 6 points, GD -6; 15. Girona: 7 points, GD -2; 16.
19. Rayo Vallecano: 5 points, GD: 5 (Played 8)
20. Granada: 3 points, GD: 8