Barcelona's coach, Xavi Hernández, announced this Saturday, after a LaLiga defeat against Villarreal at the Lluís Companys Stadium (3-5), that he will not continue in the position starting from June 30.

"I want to announce that on June 30, I will not continue as the coach. We have been talking with the president (Joan Laporta), Rafa Yuste, Alejando Echevarría, Deco (members of the sports commission), and the staff, and we believe that the situation deserves a change in direction," he explained in a press conference.

"As a Barça fan, I cannot allow this situation. The club needs a change in dynamics, and this will free up the players. We play with too much tension," he summarized.

Xavi leaves Barcelona in third place in LaLiga, with 44 points, trailing the league leaders Real Madrid by 10 points.

After being eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Athletic Club (2-4) and suffering a 1-4 defeat in the Spanish Supercup final against Real Madrid, the current Barça coach still has the opportunity to win the Champions League. Barcelona is set to face Napoli in the Round of 16.

The former midfielder and World Cup champion will depart from the team after taking over in October 2021, during which he secured the LaLiga title for the 2022-23 season.