Barcelona sack Xavi just weeks after Nou Camp legend reversed decision to quit

Barcelona sack Xavi just weeks after Nou Camp legend reversed decision to quit

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 24/05/2024

- 12:52

Updated: 25/05/2024

- 10:07

Xavi has been dismissed as Barcelona manager ahead of their final La Liga game of the season.

Barcelona have announced they've decided to sack Xavi just weeks after the Spaniard held a press conference reversing his decision to step down at the end of the season.

Xavi announced back in January that he was planning to step down as Barcelona boss following a dismal 5-3 loss to Villarreal.


That loss left them 10 points behind league leaders Real Madrid as they were also knocked out of the Copa del Rey a few days prior.

But Xavi performed a U-turn just last month on his decision to stand down at a specially-held press conference.

Xavi has been sacked by Barcelona

Xavi has been sacked by Barcelona

GETTY

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said at the time he was 'pleased to announce that Xavi continues as the coach'.

However, Xavi has now sensationally been dismissed by Barcelona following a meeting with the club's hierarchy on Friday.

The club statement read: "Today Friday, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernandez 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 Luis de Souza, Deco, Xavi, Oscar Hernandez 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.

"Xavi Hernandez will be coaching the team for the last time in Sunday's game away to Sevilla.

"During the course of the next few days, FC Barcelona will be making an announcement regarding the new first team structure."

It's been reported in Spanish media that the meeting took place after Xavi angered Barcelona board members with recent comments he made about the club's financial situation.

Xavi said at the time: "The Cule must understand that the situation is very complicated to compete economically.

Xavi had committed to staying at Barcelona just a few weeks ago

Xavi had committed to staying at Barcelona just a few weeks ago

GETTY

"It has nothing to do with what we had 25 years ago when the coach would come and say 'I want this one, this one, and this one'. It doesn't work like that anymore.

"I understand that and that's how we're going to adjust to it. That doesn't mean we're not going to compete. We need stability and time. There are good things to compete for. The situation we are in is the situation we are in in terms of results.

"Last year we were solvent without playing the football we would like to play and this year, we have played better, but with worse results."

LATEST SPORT NEWS:

Xavi will still take charge of Barcelona in their final league game

Xavi will still take charge of Barcelona in their final league game

PA

Neither Seville or Barcelona have anything to play for in the final league game of the season.

Barcelona have already secured second in the league ahead of surprise package Girona.

Hansi Flick is reportedly being lined up to replace Xavi as Barcelona's next head coach.

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