The former midfielder added: “We have been talking about it with [president Joan] Laporta and with the sports area and, as a cule, I think that the club needs a change of dynamic. Thinking about the club and the players I think they will free themselves and will be calmer.

“Thinking as a club man I think, ‘The best thing is to leave on June 30’. That said, I will give my best in the remaining four months, I think we can have a good season and I hope the dynamic changes.”

Arteta will be a strong contender to replace Xavi, although the current Barca head coach went on to describe his job as being “unpleasant” and “cruel” in a damning assessment that might make potential successors think twice about taking the role.