Barcelona have sacked manager Xavi with former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick set to replace him.
Xavi will take charge of Barcelona for the final time on Sunday, when they host Sevilla in their last La Liga match of the season.
The 44-year-old, who had been contracted until 2025, was informed of the club’s decision during a meeting with club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco on Friday.
Former Spain midfielder Xavi announced in January that he would leave the Camp Nou, but he was persuaded to stay by Laporta in April.
But recent comments from Xavi, in which he opened up about the club’s financial struggles, are said to have angered Laporta.
Barcelona said they would like to “thank Xavi for his work as a coach” since taking charge in 2021.
The Catalans added a “new structure” will be confirmed in the coming days, with Flick set to take charge.
Flick, 59, has been out of work since being sacked by Germany in September 2023.
In 2020, the German guided Bayern Munich to the treble, winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League.
Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski, 35, played under Flick at the Allianz Arena for two seasons.
After guiding Barcelona to the La Liga title in 2022-23, Xavi’s side put up a disappointing defence to their crown this term.
The Catalans are 12 points behind rivals Real Madrid, with one game remaining in the season.
Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Paris St-Germain.
Xavi spent 17 years with Barcelona as a player, having emerged from the club’s La Masia academy.
After four years’ playing for Qatari side Al-Sadd, Xavi retired in 2019 to take over the side as manager.
He remained in Qatar for a further two seasons, before replacing Ronald Koeman in November 2021 as Barcelona boss.
Xavi helped the club to the La Liga title and Spanish Cup during his first full season in charge, earning the side a return to the Champions League.
During his 141 games as Barcelona boss, Xavi won 89 matches – giving him a 63% win ratio.
Barcelona’s full statement
“Today, Friday, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernandez that he will not be continuing as first team coach in the 2024-25 season.
“The meeting happened at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and was also attended by sporting vice-president Rafa Yuste, director of sport Anderson Luis de Souza, Deco, Xavi, Oscar Hernández and Sergio Alegre.
“Barcelona wishes to thank Xavi for his work as coach, as well as for his inimitable career as a player and as team captain, and wishes him every future success in the world.
“Xavi Hernandez will be coaching the team for the last time in Sunday’s game away to Sevilla.
“During the course of the next few days, Barcelona will be making an announcement regarding the new first team structure.”
More to follow.
Source: BBC
