Barcelona has decided to part ways with head coach Xavi, ending his three-year tenure at the club. The departure comes just a month after the club successfully persuaded Xavi to remain in his role despite his initial intention to leave at the end of the season. Former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick is reportedly lined up to take over the reins.
Xavi, 44, will oversee Barcelona’s final match of the season against Sevilla before bidding farewell to the club. The decision to replace him with Flick follows a verbal agreement reached between Barcelona and the seasoned German coach. An official announcement regarding Xavi’s replacement is expected from the Catalan club in the coming days.
In a statement, Barcelona expressed gratitude to Xavi for his contributions both as a coach and as a legendary player and captain. Despite Barcelona’s second-place position in the league table, Xavi’s tenure saw them finish 12 points behind champions Real Madrid. Additionally, Barcelona exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, losing to Paris Saint-Germain.
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Sevilla manager Quique Sanchez Flores, who is also departing his role after the upcoming game against Barcelona, criticized the club for their treatment of key figures like Xavi, citing examples such as Lionel Messi and Ronald Koeman.
Barcelona’s decision to replace Xavi adds to the managerial changes across Europe’s top clubs this season. Premier League side Chelsea recently sacked Mauricio Pochettino, while Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag faces uncertainty following a disappointing league campaign. Other managerial changes include Brighton parting ways with Roberto De Zerbi, Bayern Munich seeking a new manager after parting with Thomas Tuchel, and AC Milan announcing Stefano Pioli’s departure, with Paulo Fonseca likely to succeed him. Juventus sacked Massimiliano Allegri, paving the way for Thiago Motta’s arrival, while Ajax replaced interim manager John van’t Schip with Nice’s Francesco Farioli.
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