Pep Guardiola has spoken in solidarity with Xavi, stating that he “understands completely” why the Barcelona legend will step down as head coach at the end of the season amid what he describes as far greater intensity and media scrutiny in Spanish football.
Guardiola himself walked away from Barcelona in 2012 after four trophy-laden seasons, including a 2009 sextuplet, to break from football for an entire year before stepping back into management. Only three Barca bosses so far this century have made it to three years in charge.
“We cannot compare the pressure we have in England and Spain in my experience. It’s a thousand times higher and tougher there in Spain than here,” Guardiola said at a press conference on Tuesday
“Here for the managers is a real place to be. Obviously, there are a lot of games and six press conferences a week and a game every three days. But the pressure you feel in Barcelona is not comparable to another club. I understand completely.”
Xavi announced his decision to leave Barca at the end of the season on Sunday following a shock defeat to Villarreal. He has stressed it was not a kneejerk reaction to a difficult week in which the club also exited the Copa del Rey at the hands of Athletic Club.
Instead, in his own press conference on Tuesday, the 44-year-old spoke about feeling underappreciated and “worthless” at the club, despite his achievements.
“I think that the work has not been valued enough and this causes wear and tear on me. This is my feeling. It is not because I can’t stand the pressure. We arrived at one of the most difficult moments in the history of the club,” he explained, referring to the crippling financial problems.
“They make you feel worthless every day. Speaking with Pep, he already told me that. It also happened with [Ernesto] Valverde. I saw Luis Enrique suffer. We have to reflect. We have a problem with the demands of this charge. It seems like you’re risking your life every moment.
“That’s why I say it’s cruel, it’s not enjoyable.”
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