It is over between Xavi and Barcelona as the club sacks the former player

Barcelona announced that Xavi Hernández will leave his coaching role after Sunday's match. Former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick is likely to replace him.

Chirag

May 25, 2024

Xavi Sacked By Barcelona — Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

Barcelona announced on Friday that Xavi Hernández will step down as coach after the final game of the season on Sunday. A source disclosed to ESPN that Hansi Flick, the former Bayern Munich and Germany coach, is likely to take over.

Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, met with Xavi after Friday’s training session to confirm the club’s decision for a change in leadership. This move comes shortly after Xavi and Laporta had announced that Xavi would honor his contract until 2025, despite earlier plans to resign this summer.

“Barcelona president Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernández that he will not continue as coach for the 2024-25 season,” the club stated. The decision was communicated during a meeting at the training ground, attended by vice president Rafa Yuste, sporting directors Deco, Xavi’s assistants Óscar Hernández and Sergio Alegre.

Barcelona expressed gratitude for Xavi’s coaching contributions, alongside his remarkable career as a player and team captain, and wished him well for the future. Xavi will oversee Sunday’s match against Sevilla as his final game in charge.

Flick, aged 59, has been without a job since leaving the German national team in 2023. He has reportedly impressed Barcelona’s leadership during discussions and is now considered the frontrunner to succeed Xavi. Negotiations with Flick’s representatives have progressed significantly.

Although Barça B team coach Rafa Márquez and outgoing Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel were also considered, sources indicate that talks with Flick’s camp are at an advanced stage.

Xavi had previously announced his intention to resign at the end of the season but later reversed his decision in April after discussions with Laporta. However, Laporta has since opted for a change in direction, influenced in part by Xavi’s recent remarks about the club’s financial challenges.

Xavi, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career at Barcelona, took over as coach in 2021, leading the team to a LaLiga title last season. He expressed pride in his tenure and pledged continued support for the club as a fan.

Meanwhile, Laporta has long admired Flick, having previously reached out to him in 2021 before Flick’s commitment to the German national team. Flick’s availability has changed since his departure from the Germany job, making him a prime candidate for Barcelona.

Prior to managing Germany, Flick achieved success with Bayern Munich, including a treble-winning season in 2020. He also served as an assistant coach for the German national team when they won the World Cup in 2014 under Joachim Löw.