Barcelona have sacked head coach Xavi ahead of the club’s final LaLiga game of the season against Sevilla.
The Spaniard was originally planning to leave the Camp Nou in the summer but was persuaded to stay by club president Joan Laporta.
But the 44-year-old has since made some comments to the media about the club’s financial struggles, causing anger at the top.
He will now depart despite being contracted until 2025.
A statement from the club said: “In a meeting at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, president Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernandez that he will not be continuing as FC Barcelona coach in the 2024-25 season.
“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.
BREAKING: Barcelona have sacked Xavi as the club’s head coach ❌
Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernández that he will not be continuing as first team coach in the 2024-25 season. pic.twitter.com/9jc78AR3Wh
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 24, 2024
“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, FC Barcelona will be making an announcement regarding the new first-team structure.”
Barca sit 12 points behind champions Real Madrid ahead of the final day but Xavi did win the title in the previous campaign.
His development of youth talents such as Lamine Yamal has been notable during his two-and-a-half years in charge.
But the Blaugrana have decided to take a different direction in an effort to close the gap to Carlo Ancelotti and Los Blancos.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Hansi Flick is in line to replace Xavi.
🔵🔴🇩🇪 Hansi Flick, just waiting for the formal documents and then set to sign in as new Barcelona head coach.
He’s the man wanted by Joan Laporta to replace Xavi Hernández. pic.twitter.com/hLDcujbI6J
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 24, 2024
The German had been in talks with several clubs about a return to management including Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
However, the report suggests the 59-year-old only ever wanted to move to Barcelona and he considers it his ‘dream job’.
