Barcelona have confirmed that Xavi Hernandez has been relieved of his duties as Barcelona manager, weeks after he agreed to stay on to see out his contract.
Club President, Joan Laporta alongside senior officials met with Xavi and informed him that he will not be continuing as first team coach in the 2024-25 season.
It puts an end to bizarre of twist of events after the club had convinced to stay after he revealed in January, he intended to leave at the end of the season. Despite reports last week that Laporta had decided to sack him, and the president’s refusal to meet with him, Xavi insisted nothing had changed.
In a statement released after the meeting, the club said “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 Hernández will be coaching the team for the last time in Sunday’s game away to Sevilla. They will finish second in the league regardless of the result.
Reports in Spain say the club has turned to former Bayern Munich and Germany manager, Hansi Flick to replace him.
The 59-year-old is expected to sign a one-year deal with the club, with an option to extend it for a further season.