Barcelona has decided to part ways with manager Xavi, with former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick poised to replace him. Xavi will lead Barcelona for the final time on Sunday when they host Sevilla in their last La Liga match of the season. The 44-year-old, who had been contracted until 2025, was informed of the club’s decision during a meeting with club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco on Friday. This decision comes exactly one month after it had been announced that Xavi would remain at the club.
In January, Xavi had announced his intention to leave Camp Nou, but he was persuaded to stay by Laporta in April. However, recent comments from Xavi regarding the club’s financial struggles reportedly angered Laporta. Despite the fallout, Barcelona expressed gratitude for Xavi’s contributions since he took charge in 2021, stating they would like to “thank Xavi for his work as a coach.” The club also mentioned that a “new structure” would be confirmed in the coming days, with Flick set to take charge. The 59-year-old Flick has been out of work since he was sacked by Germany in September 2023. His tenure with Germany followed a successful period at Bayern Munich, where he guided the team to a treble in 2020, winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League.
After leading Barcelona to the La Liga title in the 2022-23 season, Xavi’s team had a disappointing defense of their crown this term, finishing 12 points behind rivals Real Madrid with one game remaining. Additionally, Barcelona was knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Paris St-Germain. Xavi, who spent 17 years as a player at Barcelona after emerging from the club’s La Masia academy, retired from playing in 2019 after four years with Qatari side Al-Sadd and then took over as the team’s manager. He remained in Qatar for two more seasons before replacing Ronald Koeman as Barcelona boss in November 2021. During his tenure, Xavi helped the club to the La Liga title and Spanish Cup in his first full season, earning a return to the Champions League.
Sevilla boss Quique Sanchez Flores has criticized Barcelona’s treatment of Xavi, stating, “How badly Barcelona treats its legends. What a bad streak. With Koeman, with Messi, with Xavi now – how bad. I wish clubs treated their legends well.” Flores added that he had “doubts the criticism about him [Xavi] is correct.” Barcelona will finish the season second in La Liga behind champions Real Madrid, with Xavi remaining in charge for the game against Sevilla. During his 141 games as Barcelona boss, Xavi won 89 matches, giving him a 63% win ratio.
