Xavi claims he was 'targeted' as Barcelona manager

Xavi believes he was "targeted" during his time in charge at Barcelona, having bid farewell to the fans after Sunday's 2-1 win over Sevilla.

The Spanish boss has now departed just over a month after it was announced that he would remain in charge of the Catalan side, despite voicing his wishes to step away in January.

Barca, who remained convinced that he would choose to serve the rest of his tenure with the La Liga club, made the shocking decision to part ways with Xavi, with new manager Hansi Flick in line to take his place.

Speaking after his last appearance as Barca coach, Xavi revealed his feelings around the difficulty of the position.

He said: "I have the feeling that everything I have done has caused an earthquake. They have targeted me, in general. I have not been able to work calmly. We wanted to work. This is the life of a coach. It's a shame.

"It is not my responsibility to say the reasons [on his sacking]. I have no choice but to accept it and nothing more. The decision has already been made and we must look forward. The club is above anyone.

"It is a very good generation, [Pau] Cubarsi, Lamine [Yamal], Hector Fort, but the legacy is the affection of the players. The objective was to help them. We have suffered. We have won two titles, but there are decisions that one does not control and that only you can accept. Barca is in a difficult situation."

It is believed that former Germany manager Flick has already agreed a two-year contract with the Catalan giants, and will therefore lead the side during the 2024/25 campaign.

Xavi has admitted that he would have liked to stay on at Barcelona and has left the door "open" on his next move.

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