Barcelona have decided to sack Xavi Hernandez, barely a month after the Spaniard made a U-turn on his decision to exit the club.
Hernandez had initially revealed his decision to depart the Catalan giants at the end of the 2023/24 season, but he reversed his stance following a meeting with President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco.
Barcelona Sack Xavi Hernandez
Barcelona have ultimately taken the bold step to dismiss the 44-year-old, days after the Spaniard’s future came under the spotlight due to comments he made in a presser ahead of their clash against Almeria on May 16, 2024.
Xavi Hernandez’s assertions didn’t go down well with the club, and they have opted to pull the plug on him.
Barcelona confirmed their decision to dismiss Xavi via a statement shared on the club’s website which reads:
“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 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, Òscar Hernández and Sergio Alegre.”
They appreciated Xavi Hernandez for his contributions to the club even as a player and captain.
Barcelona added: “FC Barcelona wishes to thank Xavi for his work as a coach, as well as for his inimitable career as a player and as team captain, and wishes him every future success in the world.”
Xavi Hernandez At Barcelona
Xavi was appointed manager of the Spanish giants on November 6, 2021, and he guided the club to the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup.
The 44-year-old managed to steady the ship at Barcelona, although the club’s financially handicapped state has hampered them from competing favorably with rivals Real Madrid.
Anyway, the Spaniard has reportedly caught the eye of several clubs including English heavyweights Manchester United.
The Red Devils have apparently informed the Al-Sadd boss of the desire to bring him to Old Trafford and if Erik Ten Hag is fired after the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 25, 2024, they could turn their attention to Xavi.
Xavi Hernandez will still take charge of Barcelona’s final game of the campaign, an away league affair against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday, May 26, 2024, but he will be leaving the club after the encounter.
Barcelona Set To Appoint Hansi Flick
Moreover, former Germany and Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick is expected to be appointed as the club’s next manager, as they believe he has the capacity to take the team forward.
Flick guided the Bavarian giants to the sextuple, winning the German Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, DFL-Supercup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
It will be interesting to see how he fares in Catalonia, given the financial issues that the club is bedeviled with.
