Striker Robert Lewandowski met twice in private to convince Xavi to stay, even though the coach announced his departure at the end of this season.

On January 28, one day after Xavi announced he was leaving Barca at the end of the season, Lewandowski met to ask the coach to think again. Xavi thanked, but affirmed that he had made the final decision.

Unsatisfied with this, one day later Lewandowski continued to meet the Spanish teacher. Here, the 35-year-old striker once again expressed disappointment at the coach’s decision, apologized and admitted that the culprits causing Barca’s crisis were the players. Lewandowski believes that he and his teammates have declined a lot compared to last season, when the team won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

According to channel RAC1, after the second meeting with Xavi, Lewandowski also organized a meal at home with his teammates. They are committed to coming together, uniting and playing well in the remaining matches of the season.

Ilkay Gundogan also admitted being sad about the decision of Xavi, who shares his outlook on football. However, the German midfielder considers it a personal decision and believes there is no reason to intervene.

After Barca lost 3-5 to Villarreal on January 27, Xavi announced that he would leave Barca at the end of the season. The 43-year-old coach will leave one year early than his contract, but confirmed that he will not receive compensation. Previously, Xavi led Barca since November 2021, winning one La Liga and one Spanish Super Cup.

Barca is ranked fourth in La Liga 2023-2024, with 44 points after 21 matches, equal to Atletico’s points and only lower than the difference. Girona is leading with 55 points, but played one match more, while Real Madrid is second with 54 points. Barca also lost to Real Madrid 1-4 in the Spanish Super Cup final and Bilbao 2-4 in the King’s Cup quarter-finals.

On February 21 and March 12, Xavi ‘s team will meet Napoli in two matches of the 1/8 round of the Champions League. They reached this round for the first time after two consecutive years of being eliminated from the group stage.

Last season, Lewandowski scored 33 goals in 46 matches for Barca, including 23 goals that helped him become La Liga’s top scorer. However, after 29 matches this season, the 35-year-old striker has only 13 goals. These numbers are much worse than when Lewandowski played for Bayern, where he contributed 344 goals in 375 matches.