An insight into the mood in the Barcelona squad, on the back of Xavi’s announcement that he will soon move on, has been provided late this evening.
The news which shook Spanish football to its core, of course, was forthcoming a short time ago.
This came in the form of the aforementioned Xavi confirming that his stint in charge of Barcelona will come to an end upon the season’s close.
After his side’s shaky recent spell of form came to a head by way of an embarrassing collapse at home to Villarreal on Saturday, Xavi informed Joan Laporta and the powers that be in Catalunya that his desire to continue in his post beyond the summer has now passed.
“I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barça. I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation.”
So, just how did Barcelona’s players react to the news of their manager preparing to depart?
After the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araújo, just hours ago, moved to defend their under-fire boss, it should come as little surprise to hear of the mood being a solemn one in the Blaugrana dressing room.
As per a report from Toni Juanmartí of Diario Sport:
‘Right now, there is dismay in the squad over Xavi’s decision. Total silence, state of shock.’
Conor Laird | GSFN
