Barcelona head coach Xavi believes his decision to announce his resignation in January has improved his side.
Xavi announced his intention to step down at the end of the 2023-24 season after his side’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal on January 27.
Barcelona have since gone 12 unbeaten in all competitions and will take a 3-2 lead into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain after a comeback victory at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
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The 44-year-old believes his decision has contributed to an added calmness and means they can now be considered competitive.
“Yes, in a lot of moments I can say that,” Xavi replied, when asked if he was now enjoying his job more. “But it was also the case in a lot of moments in the past. After my decision to step down, there has been a lot more calmness.
“We are all calmer knowing I have an expiry date. I believe it’s been good for us and that’s the reason why we are in this situation now. If I hadn’t done that, this momentum would have been harder to find.”
Barcelona are on a good run of form (David S.Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Barcelona lost the Spanish Super Cup final 4-1 to rivals Real Madrid and were eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Athletic Bilbao at the start of the year.
The loss to Villarreal had left them 10 points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid, but they have won nine and drawn three of the 12 games since, winning their last five.
Xavi continued: “After the decision I made at the end of January, I was convinced we could be like that (current form) now. If I hadn’t done that, I don’t think that would be the case. I took it on behalf of the club. That’s the most important thing, above anything else. I always said that. But if I hadn’t made a decision, we would not be competitive now.”
Barcelona travel to Cadiz on Saturday before hosting PSG in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday.
Youngsters Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi were instrumental in the Catalan side’s first leg victory over PSG, and Xavi confirmed another youth prospect, 19-year-old defender Mika Faye, could be in line for his debut against Cadiz.
“Yes, it can be a good day for him to make his debut,” Xavi said. “Tomorrow he’ll be in the matchday squad and is among the footballers we keep monitoring. There are several youngsters ready to help in La Masia, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. It won’t be easy for them because there’s a tough competition to earn a place, but they are ready.”
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(Lluis Gene/AFP via Getty Images)
