I was genuinely bummed out when Xavi announced, after the 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal in January, that no matter what happened from there, he'd be stepping down as Barcelona manager at the end of the season. Partly because I think he's good at what he does, partly because he was one of my favourite players and remains one of my favourite people in football, and partly because I found the following comment thoroughly depressing, if probably true: "The feeling of being Barca coach can be unpleasant ... It's cruel, there's a lack of respect towards you .
Champions League exit shows Xavi was right: He needs to leave Barca
