This Saturday was Xavi Hernández’s last day of work at the Joan Gamper Sports City. At least, for now. And he jumped from what he has enjoyed the most to what he has enjoyed the least: from the training field to the press room. The technician was the second member of the staff to appear at the Tito Vilanova Field, the first team’s training center. The sports vice president, Rafa Yuste, was waiting for him there, who had previously been talking with a member of his work force. They gave each other a hug.
“Rafa has been a very special man. He has given us confidence until the last moment,” explained Xavi. Yuste was not the only one who showed affection towards the coach, the players did as well. Although the footballers, like Xavi, were victims of a club that was as emotional as it was changing — “I have been through a roller coaster of emotions,” he revealed — that has very rarely found the perfect way to say goodbye to its legends. It is enough to review Laporta’s second management, Messi left in tears, Koeman angry and Xavi disoriented: “I didn’t imagine this ending, but it can happen.”
“I am grateful to the president and all the sports directors. I haven’t had any problems. On the contrary, I am a man of consensus, of the team and of the club. I have adapted to all the very adverse circumstances and I have had no problems. I have no choice but to accept because Laporta is the one who makes the decisions,” said Xavi.
The coach, who led his last training session before traveling to Seville this Sunday (9:00 p.m., Dazn), avoided talking about his settlement, valued at 20 million, according to club sources. “There will be no problem. What I said, so it will be. You who are journalists know it,” he explained. And when questioned, he insisted: “I will not repeat it.” He has, however, the hope of returning: “I don’t regret anything. I have been honest with everyone, we have worked with honor and love for the club. It is a very good learning for the future. I have enjoyed it, also suffered. I don’t close the door. I hope I am given the opportunity to return.”
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