Barcelona has made a significant managerial change, parting ways with Xavi and appointing former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick as their new manager.
Xavi will lead Barcelona for the final time in their upcoming La Liga match against Sevilla.
The decision to sack him was communicated during a meeting with club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, following recent remarks by Xavi about the club’s financial challenges that reportedly did not sit well with Laporta.
Having initially announced his departure from Camp Nou in January, Xavi was convinced to stay by Laporta in April.
However, his tenure has now come to an abrupt end. Barcelona expressed gratitude for Xavi’s coaching contributions since he took charge in 2021.
The club will undergo a “new structure” in the days ahead with the arrival of Hansi Flick.
The 59-year-old has been without a job since his dismissal from the German national team in September 2023, where he had a mixed record with 12 wins in 25 matches.
Flick’s managerial success includes leading Bayern Munich to a treble in 2020, securing the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League titles.
Notably, Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski played under Flick at Bayern Munich for two seasons.
Xavi’s departure follows a disappointing season for Barcelona, who are 12 points behind La Liga champions Real Madrid with one match remaining.
They were also eliminated from the Champions League by Paris St-Germain in the quarter-finals.
Xavi, a Barcelona legend as a player, transitioned to coaching after retiring in 2019. His first full season as Barcelona boss saw the team clinch the La Liga title and Spanish Cup, earning them a spot in the Champions League.
Despite criticism from Sevilla boss Quique Sanchez Flores regarding Xavi’s treatment, Barcelona will conclude the season under Xavi’s guidance in the match against Sevilla.
During his tenure, Xavi handed over 15 professional debuts to young talents from Barcelona’s La Masia academy including Fermín López, Pau Cubarsí, Lamine Yamal and Marc Guiu.
