After a long period of uncertainty, it is finally official – Xavi Hernandez will leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season.

While the decision was always coming, the official confirmation, nevertheless, has sent shockwaves throughout the footballing fraternity.

Shortly after Barcelona’s announcement, a report from MARCA has now come up with a comprehensive report on all the reasons that led to the departure of Xavi from FC Barcelona.

Broken trust

A significant point of contention arose from Xavi’s public statement suggesting Barcelona couldn’t compete with certain teams, without signing new players from the market.

This comment deeply upset club president Joan Laporta, who felt betrayed by a coach who had expressed optimism just weeks earlier.

Player management

Xavi’s decision to rest key players in games like the Antwerp match, where the team had nothing at stake, clashed with Laporta’s vision.

Xavi struggled in gaining the trust of Barcelona’s management (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

The president intervened, leading to player dissatisfaction, particularly concerning the team’s physical preparation.

Several key figures, including Robert Lewandowski, Ronald Araujo, and Jules Kounde, were reportedly unhappy with the training methods, which left them fatigued in the final stages of matches. Players reportedly even approached Xavi directly to address the issue.

Tactical shortcomings

The sporting department also had reservations about Xavi’s tactical choices, which they felt contributed to crucial losses.

Throughout the season, Barcelona struggled to find a consistent style of play, with opponents frequently finding ways to breach the defence.

Crisis leadership

The club believes Xavi’s handling of the crisis that plagued Barcelona throughout the season fell short of expectations. His public statements and some selective player meetings, excluding certain key figures, were seen as ineffective.

Furthermore, recent attempts to implement solutions collaboratively, such as changes to physical training methods or personnel, were reportedly met with resistance.

While the full story remains complex, these factors served as a catalyst to the growing disconnect between coaches, players, and management, ultimately cementing Xavi’s exit.