May 24 – Barcelona have sacked manager Xavi with former Germany and 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.
Bizarrely the move came four weeks after Barca confirmed they had persuaded Xavi to stay in the job for the 2024-25 campaign. He had said in January he would stand down.
“Today Friday, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernandez that he will not be continuing as first team coach in the 2024-25 season,” Barcelona said in a statement.
“Barcelona wish 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. He will be coaching the team for the last time in Sunday’s game away to Sevilla.”
Ironically the former Spain midfielder announced in January that he would leave the Camp Nou, only to be persuaded to stay.
Barca said a “new structure” will be confirmed in the coming days, with Flick set to take charge. The 59-year-old has been out of work since he was sacked by Germany in September 2023.
After guiding Barcelona to the La Liga title in 2022-23, Xavi’s side put up a disappointing defence of their crown this term.
The Catalans are 12 points behind rivals Real Madrid and were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Paris St-Germain.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1718572764labto1718572764ofdlr1718572764owedi1718572764sni@w1718572764ahsra1718572764w.wer1718572764dna1718572764