FC Barcelona on Friday announced that they have sacked their head coach Xavi Hernandez a month after the Spaniard confirmed he would continue at the Catalan club for the next season.
A shocking U-turn from the Catalan club will see Xavi leave not more than four weeks after both parties agreed to continue for one more season as the former midfielder had stated in January that he would leave the club at the end of the season.
“Today Friday, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernández that he will not be continuing as first team coach in the 2024-25 season,” the club said in a press release.
“The meeting happened at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and was also attended by sporting vice-president Rafa Yuste, director of sport Anderson Luís de Souza, Deco, Xavi, Oscar Hernández and Sergio Alegre.
“FC 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.”
As Xavi’s future with the club is decided, Barcelona are likely to announce former Bayern Munich and Germany manager, Hansi Flick, as the club’s new head coach.
After Xavi stated
After Xavi stated that he will leave in June, Barcelona picked up form and went two months without losing a game. The impressive form also saw them going to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League where they lost to Paris Saint-Germain. The unbeaten run convinced the Spaniard to continue with the club for one more season but that will not be the case now.
Xavi will be in charge of a Barcelona match for the last time on Sunday during the away match against Sevilla. The Blaugrana will end the season trophyless and should they emerge winners at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, they will finish with 85 points, 12 behind Real Madrid if they also win their last league game.
Remember, Xavi was appointed by Barcelona during the 2021/22 season after Ronald Koeman was sacked. In his second season with the club, he led them to the La Liga title beating Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.