Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez says he would understand if the club's hierarchy decided to fire him amid their recent run of inconsistent form.
Benzema Reveals 'Role' Ronaldo Played In Him Winning The Ballon d'Or
The past couple of weeks have been uncomfortable for the Blaugrana, with the Catalan giants having seen their European ambitions significantly dashed and also suffering a major setback in their hopes to once again reign as kings of Spain.
Xavi has failed to get the better of Simone Inzaghi's Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League this season, leaving their destiny in the competition out of their hands, while the Blaugrana also now find themselves trailing bitter rivals Real Madrid by three points in LaLiga following their 3-1 defeat in the first ElClasico of the season on Sunday.
The potential ramifications of their recent failures are something the Spanish tactician understands well, though, especially given the financial position the team finds itself in, and he believes the club is within its rights to sack him.
"Of course [he would understand if Barca fired him]. It's football. People on the street raise their fists at me as a sign of encouragement," Xavi said in a pre-match press conference for their upcoming game against Villarreal, as per Goal.
"Now we have to continue and face reality, but I'm always positive. With the effort made by the club the squad we have, we have to compete for trophies.
"And if we don't win, as the president [Joan Laporta] said, there will be consequences, starting with me.
"If we don't win, another coach will come in. But I am going to give everything so that this works."
Ten Hag To 'Deal' With Ronaldo After Early Old Trafford Exit
While the LaLiga season is still long and they could soon regain the top spot, it is the Champions League the club will be most concerned about.
Barca invested heavily this past off-season to sign players, pulling multiple "economic levers" as well, and an early exit from the tournament could be catastrophic for the club's finances.
According to Goal, Barca stand to make at least €20.2 million (R362 million) from this season's campaign just by making it to the UCL quarter-finals, something that has now seriously been jeopardised after a loss in Milan and their draw with Inter at the Camp Nou last week.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click here to register: Sign In
WATCH VIDEO:
