Former Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman, has reacted to news of Xavi leaving Barcelona at the end of the season.

Xavi made this announcement last month, after a run of poor results.

Koeman who coached Barca between August 2020 and October 2021, has claimed that Xavi is leaving the job due to pressure.

Koeman told Good Morning Eredivisie:

“I understand Xavi. When things don’t go well or when you don’t win a trophy, the press points a gun at you.

“If things don’t go well, It’s always the coach’s fault.

“Being a Barca coach is an attack on your mental health. There is a lot of stress and pressure.

“It is much more fun to be a Barcelona player than a coach, and Xavi, as a Catalan and part of the club, has surely noticed it. It’s the hardest coaching job I’ve ever had.”

Koeman managed to win a trophy with the Catalans, leading them to the Copa del Rey triumph, but was sacked the following season.