Xavi announced at the weekend that he will be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season – and it will be interesting to see now if this has any significance for Manchester City star Bernardo Silva.
The legendary former midfielder confirmed that he’ll step down as Barca boss later this year, after his side lost 5-3 to Villarreal.
Xavi has been head coach of the Spanish giants since November 2021, after he replaced Ronald Koeman.
He signed a contract with the club until the summer of 2024, and we now know that he will not be extending at the club – he will leave when that contract expires.
Speaking after the defeat to Villarreal, in which Joao Cancelo admitted he put in a ‘disaster’ of a performance, Xavi said (BBC Sport): “I think the club needs a change of dynamic. For the good of the players, I believe that they will free themselves. We play with a lot of tension.
“For the good of the board of directors, it is best that I leave. I will give my best. I think all of that will help the dynamic change. This is the message I would like to give. I think I am doing the right thing.”
It will now be quite interesting to see if Barcelona still make a play for Bernardo Silva this summer, given what Xavi had said about the player previously…
What Xavi said about Bernardo Silva is very interesting now that he’s leaving Barcelona
For a long time now, Bernardo Silva has been linked with Barcelona.
The Portugal international has been incredible for City, but for the past few summers there has been speculation about him not being particularly happy living in Manchester.
It’s been claimed he’d like a warmer climate, and Barcelona have been mentioned many times as a potential next destination.
Xavi actually spoke about Bernardo last year, and publicly backed a potential move for the player. He said: “Bernardo was tempted by joining us last summer. It’s normal, players are always open to join Barca. Bernardo would be an excellent signing, obviously; that would be fantastic but he’s Man City player. It’s very difficult.”
Xavi exit at Barcelona may help Man City keep Bernardo Silva
It is very clear that Xavi is really fond of Bernardo and would like him to come to the club.
One wonders if the fact he’s now leaving might be a boost for City in terms of keeping the player.
Pep Guardiola adores £43 million star Bernardo, having previously said ‘he is an incredible player for us’ and calling him ‘one of the best players’ he’s ever seen in his life (via mancity.com).
The Etihad head coach would never want Bernardo to leave the club, but maybe there will be more of a chance he’d like to stay another season with Xavi not continuing at Barcelona
