Barcelona has officially terminated Xavi Hernandez’s role as coach, the club announced on Friday, following a season devoid of any trophies. This decision comes shortly after an agreement had been reached between Xavi and Barcelona president Joan Laporta for him to continue his coaching duties into the next season.
Xavi is set to manage his final match for Barcelona this Sunday against Sevilla in La Liga before his departure. Despite prior assurances of stability, where Xavi had agreed in April to stay on until his contract’s expiration in June 2025, sentiments within the club shifted rapidly. Reports suggest Laporta’s dissatisfaction with Xavi’s public comments about the club’s financial struggles and its competitiveness against top European teams like Real Madrid led to the change in plans.
Barcelona expressed gratitude towards Xavi for his contributions as both a legendary player and a coach. “Barcelona want to thank Xavi for his work as coach, which complements his unmatched career as a player and captain of the first team. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” read a statement from the club.
Looking forward, Barcelona has indicated that a new coaching structure will be announced soon, with former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Hansi Flick emerging as a strong candidate to take over. Flick, renowned for leading Bayern to a historic treble in 2020, has been out of coaching since being dismissed by Germany in 2023 following unsatisfactory results.
Under Xavi’s management, Barcelona had triumphed in La Liga last season but failed to defend their title this year. They exited early from the Champions League, faced defeats in the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, contributing to the decision for a new leadership direction.
Laporta had previously praised Xavi’s impact, particularly with the younger squad members, emphasizing the need for stability. However, the rapidly changing dynamics at Barcelona have led to an unexpected end to Xavi’s tenure, with the club set to embark on a new chapter under potentially new leadership.
