Lewandowski hosts player-only lunch after Xavi’s Barcelona notice

Barcelona players held a team lunch at Robert Lewandowski's home on Monday following coach Xavi Hernández's decision to leave the club at the end of the season.

The lunch lasted around two hours and was attended only by the players, without the presence of Xavi or his coaching staff.

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Xavi, 44, made the surprise announcement of his departure this summer following Saturday's 5-3 defeat to Villarreal, which left Barca 11 points behind La Liga leaders Girona.

This follows this month's elimination from the Spanish Supercopa and Copa del Rey, which has further increased the pressure on Xavi.

Xavi – who replaced Ronald Koeman at the end of 2021 – had not informed the players of his decision before making it official, with the majority of them learning the news via social media and messages.

The Barca coach explained his reasoning to them before Sunday's training, during which president Joan Laporta also addressed the team.

Barca's players hope the team-building lunch can bring the group together as they continue to battle on two fronts this season, starting with Osasuna's visit to the league's Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.

Even though they are behind in La Liga, they are not mathematically out of the title race with 17 games remaining, while they must finish in the top four to secure a place in the Champions League next season and among the first two to appear in the Champions League. Supercup.

In Europe, they have a two-legged tie against Napoli in the Champions League round of 16.

“These are difficult days for everyone,” midfielder Pedri posted on Instagram. “We have to put aside excuses, be critical of ourselves and kick off for the coach, the team and above all the club and the supporters.”

Teammate Gavi, out for the season with a torn ACL, added: “I'll support you until the very end, boss.”

Laporta called for “unity” between now and the summer, saying he hopes Xavi's announcement can help the team turn around a situation that has deteriorated in recent months.

Barca have conceded two or more goals in eight of their last 12 matches in all competitions, including four or more on four occasions – and in each of their last two matches.

The defeat against Villareal was the first time they had lost five goals at home in a league match since 1963, when they were beaten 5-1 by Madrid.

They have already conceded 46 goals in 32 games this season, the same number as in the 53 matches of the previous campaign, when they won La Liga and the Super Cup.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has ruled himself out of bidding to replace Xavi after Spanish media reported he had told the London club he was considering leaving.

“This is completely false and I'm really upset [the rumour]”, Arteta said in a press conference on Monday. “I am immersed in a beautiful journey with this club and there is still a lot to do.”

However, Barça Atlétic coach Rafael Márquez has stated that he would like to be considered for the position.

“If an opportunity like this presents itself, you can’t say no,” said the former Mexico international.

Arteta and Márquez are just two of several names linked to the vacancy since Xavi's revelation, with sources telling ESPN that a replacement is unlikely to be chosen immediately as Barca conduct an extensive recruitment process.