Barcelona sack Xavi just weeks after U-turn, Flick lined up | OneFootball

Barcelona have parted company with head coach Xavi just weeks after his U-turn.

Former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Hansi Flick is being widely reported as the man in the frame to take over.

A statement released by the club on Friday confirmed that Sunday’s LaLiga season finale against Sevilla will be Xavi’s last in charge of the club.

“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,” read the statement

“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.

“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.”

A legendary former midfielder, Xavi returned to Camp Nou in November 2021 to succeed another club great in Ronald Koeman.

His first full season back saw the Blaugrana beating Real Madrid to top honours in both LaLiga and the Supercopa last year.

But after their title defence unravelled in January, Xavi announced his intention to step down at the end of the current campaign.

He reversed that decision last month after president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco convinced him to change course the original decision.

However the 44-year-old is now leaving Barça after tensions reportedly emerged between the ex-playmaker and the club’s hierarchy.