According to Ronald Koeman - Xavi's predecessor at Barca, the constant media attacks and internal turmoil make leading the club very difficult.
"Being a Barca player is much more fun than being a coach. I have to endure pressure and stress. It's the hardest job I've ever had," Koeman told ESPN Netherlands on February 5.
Last week, Xavi announced his departure from Barca at the end of the season because he felt disrespected and constantly criticized by the media despite winning two titles. The Spanish coach recalled that he accepted to lead Barca when the team was facing many difficulties, falling to ninth place in La Liga, then led the team to win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup last season, but was still not respected.
Coach Ronald Koeman when he was still leading Barcelona in 2021. Photo: AFP
Koeman sympathized with Xavi's comments. "In my case compared to Xavi, I had a conflict with the president Joan Laporta," Koeman continued. "In Xavi's case, he is Catalan and grew up in the club, he also realized that being a player is more fun and beautiful than being a coach. Being a coach of Barca is very difficult for me."
As a professional, Koeman played for Barca from 1989 to 1995. His most memorable moment was scoring the only goal to help Barca beat Sampdoria 1-0 to win the European Cup for the first time, the tournament later renamed the Champions League, in the 1991-1992 season. He was also an assistant coach at Barca from 1998 to 2000.
Koeman left his position as coach of the Netherlands national team to lead Barca in the summer of 2020, replacing Quique Setien. In total, he led 67 matches, with 39 wins, 12 draws and 16 losses, achieving a winning rate of 58.21%. The Dutch coach brought home a title, when he won the King's Cup with Barca last season.
Koeman, now back as Netherlands coach, added that the external media and internal biases at Barca made the job even more complicated. “Xavi was always praised but now he sees the other side,” he continued. “The media is pointing a gun at you and the politics at the club are not good.”
According to Koeman, Barca's leadership needs to create a better environment for coaching. "I'm not mentally broken but I've had to endure pressure and stress from the club," the 60-year-old coach said.
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