Emili Rousaud: Barcelona have reached the bottom, the cycle has ended

Barcelona are still in a state of shock following their 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and a former member of Josep Maria Bartomeu's staff, Emili Rousaud, has made clear that the Catalan club has hit the bottom and a cycle of success has come to an end.

A statement was released on Monday stating Quique Setien had been dismissed and that elections for the presidency of the club were to be brought forward to March, as well as other further changes to the senior team structure which are yet to be announced.

"I believe that we've hit the bottom," Rousaud admitted in an interview with Radio MARCA.

"We have to rethink, the current board is responsible for taking an important step and giving another project a chance.

"The current project has shown to be exhausted, the cycle has ended."

Rumours emerged on Sunday evening suggesting that Lionel Messi was hoping to leave the club this summer, yet Rousaud believes the club simply can't afford to allow him to go.

"You have to make a deal that secures Messi with you for life," Rousaud added.

"Messi's history with Barcelona can't be broken, he can't leave.

"I hope that Messi will be at Barcelona for many years, even in different roles, for us he should be considered absolutely non-transferable."

The question of who will replace Setien is one that still needs to be answered, although early indications are that Ronald Koeman is the favourite, however Rousaud believes that Xavi could be a long-term answer.

"I think that Xavi could lead the new project because he has roots of Barcelona DNA," Rousaud declared.

"Koeman also has the advantage of having belonged to the dream team and knowing the style of play the club wants.

"He could be offered a year, so that his future isn't locked in when the new administration takes power."