Barcelona director in contacts with agents of several managers as Xavi confirms exit once season ends

The pressure continues to pile on Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez as the team were condemned to a 3-5 loss at home by Villarreal in La Liga earlier today.

Coming on the back of the loss to Athletic Club in Copa del Rey, the Catalans knew this was a must-win game and fought back hard to take a 3-2 lead after being two goals down.

However, a complete capitulation in defence late on saw Barça concede two goals in stoppage time that gifted Villarreal a win and turned up the heat on Xavi.

There has already been plenty of talk about the 44-year-old’s future at the Catalan club. Time and again, it has been reported that the board, led by Barcelona president Joan Laporta, retains faith in the former midfielder.

In fact, only just now it was reported that the Catalans have decided to stick with Xavi despite tonight’s loss to Villarreal.

But, Xavi has come out and confirmed that he will be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season, on June 30.

Bidding goodbye at the end of the season. (Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

Deco in contact with agents of potential managerial candidates

As such, an alternate report from Gerard Romero claims that Barcelona might already be looking at possible replacements to take over from the Spaniard..

Indeed, as per the update, Barça sporting director Deco could already be on the lookout for a possible successor for Xavi.

It is being suggested that the former Portuguese midfielder has been in contact with the agents of several managers in recent weeks..

The players have come out and backed the 44-year-old club legend, stating that they back him and that the recent results are their own fault.

However, Xavi has confirmed he will walk away at the end of the season and the search for a replacement is already underway.