La Liga
Barcelona Announces Departure Of Manager Xavi Hernandez
Barcelona has parted ways with coach Xavi Hernandez after the team’s trophyless season. Xavi will take charge of the team’s last La Liga game against Sevilla on Sunday before moving on.
“Barcelona president Joan Laporta has told Xavi Hernandez he will not continue as coach for the 2024/25 season,” said Barcelona in a statement.
There are strong indications that former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Hansi Flick will be the successor to Xavi.
Initially, Xavi had announced his departure at the end of the season in January, but after a promising performance in April, he and President Laporta agreed that Xavi would stay on for the following season. Xavi’s current contract will run until June 2025.
The situation took a swift turn when the Spanish media reported that Laporta was upset by Xavi’s remarks indicating the challenges faced by the financially constrained club in competing with Real Madrid and other top European teams.
“Barcelona want to thank Xavi for his work as coach, which adds to his unmatchable career as a player and the captain of the first team, and wish him all the best in the future,” continued Barcelona’s statement.
“In the coming days, Barcelona will reveal the new coaching structure for the first team staff.”
Barcelona, who clinched the La Liga title last season, faced challenges in defending their championship this year. They were eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Paris Saint-Germain, suffered a heavy defeat against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, and were defeated by Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey.
