Xavi has suggested that his Barcelona players were not giving 100 per cent when he announced his intention to step down in January.
The Barca boss had said he would step down at the end of the season, describing the top job at his beloved club as ‘cruel’ and ‘unpleasant’ following a 5-3 capitulation to Villarreal.
An 11-game unbeaten run followed and Xavi feels energised to at least see out his contract until the end of next season.
‘We try to be demanding with them. It is the history of this club. My decision to announce goodbye was meant to do so. Maybe they could have given more,’ he said.
‘So it was. I think that both at Montjuïc and at the Bernabeu we deserved much more [against PSG and Real Madrid].
Xavi believes his players were not giving their all earlier in the season, before he decided to step down
![They have since been on a strong run of form and beating Valencia 4-2 on Monday night](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/30/08/84256019-0-image-a-2_1714462951479.jpg)
They have since been on a strong run of form and beating Valencia 4-2 on Monday night
‘I’m very good, I explained it the other day in a natural way. In January I felt responsible for the bad results and I thought the best thing was to step aside.
‘But then I saw the confidence of the president, of Deco, of the club and in particular of the footballers, which is fundamental.
That confidence saw Barcelona become a surprise package in the Champions League, even taking a 3-2 aggregate lead in the quarter-finals against PSG.
A collapse on home turf in the second leg saw them lose 4-1 and crash out, before losing 3-2 at Real Madrid on April 21 to effectively crush their slim LaLiga title hopes.
However, there is little doubt that Barcelona are playing better football and look a more united team.
Robert Lewandowski has improved markedly – after the 5-3 Villarreal defeat which was the nadir of the season, he had scored eight goals in 19 LaLiga games. His tally since? Eight in 11.
He also scored in both legs of the Champions League last 16 against Napoli, having only netted once in the group stages.
Having already lost against PSG and Real Madrid in April, Barca made amends by beating Valencia 4-2 on Monday, coming from behind thanks to a Robert Lewandowski hat-trick. They will, however, be unhappy with an error by goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
![Robert Lewandowski has revived something of his old form and scored a hat-trick on Monday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/30/08/84256015-0-image-a-3_1714463007257.jpg)
Robert Lewandowski has revived something of his old form and scored a hat-trick on Monday
![Xavi was delighted to announced that he was staying alongside Deco (left) and club president Joan Laporta (centre)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/30/08/84256035-0-image-a-4_1714463030528.jpg)
Xavi was delighted to announced that he was staying alongside Deco (left) and club president Joan Laporta (centre)
‘Barca, above all. It’s very emotional. The Catalans and the Cules are like that. Sometimes we do great and sometimes we all destroy it. I have felt the support of the club, Deco and the players,’ Xavi admitted after the turnaround.
That emotion, which descended into toxic intensity in January, is part of the reason why he wanted to step down – and why he wants to stay.
Last Thursday, he gave a fuller explanation of his switch. ‘I love Barca and I always try to do what is in the club’s best interests,’ he began.
‘In these three months [since announcing my departure], I have noticed the support from the president [Joan Laporta], the board of directors and [sporting director] Deco.
‘The support of the players and the fans — who have encouraged me on the street and filled the stadium — has also been important in deciding to reverse my decision.
‘We probably won’t win any trophies this season, but this is a winning project. We have to continue with it and we have to keep working hard. I feel we have the capacity, the energy and the motivation to keep going.
![Barca are competing for second place in LaLiga with surprise upstarts Girona](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/30/08/84256025-0-image-a-5_1714463627905.jpg)
Barca are competing for second place in LaLiga with surprise upstarts Girona
‘In January, I thought a change was needed, but I think this is the best decision now. I think it brings stability and I am happy, above all, for the backing I have received from the club.
‘Many people have made me see that this project is not finished. I am staying to keep winning. We will correct the small details that have cost us this year and we believe next season we will be closer to our objectives.’
Source From: Football | Mail Online
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