FC Barcelona has officially dismissed head coach Xavi Hernandez, the club confirmed in a statement released on Friday afternoon.
Announcement from the Club
“FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta informed Xavi Hernandez this afternoon that he will not continue as the head coach for the 2024-25 season,” the statement began.
The crucial meeting occurred at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, attended by sports vice-president Rafa Yuste, sports director Anderson Luís de Souza (Deco), and Xavi’s assistants Òscar Hernández and Sergio Alegre.
FC Barcelona expressed its gratitude to Xavi for his contributions as a coach, building on his remarkable career as a player and captain of the team, and wishes him the best of luck for the future. In the coming days, FC Barcelona will announce the new structure of the first team,” the statement concluded.
This decision is the latest in a series of events regarding the leadership of the Blaugrana.
Xavi’s Earlier Announcement and Reversal
In January, Xavi announced his intention to step down from the head coach position on June 30. However, in April, following a meeting with Laporta, Xavi reversed his decision and agreed to fulfill his contract, which was set to expire in 2025.
Last week, reports surfaced that Xavi had angered the board with negative comments about the club’s economic struggles impacting their ability to compete with rivals Real Madrid. RAC1 reported that Xavi would be dismissed soon, and this has now been confirmed.
Final Game and Successor
Xavi’s last game as head coach will be Sunday’s season finale in Seville. He is expected to be succeeded by former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick, with whom Barcelona reportedly has an “agreement in principle” reached in London earlier this week.
Xavi took over from fellow club legend Ronald Koeman in late 2021, and during his tenure, he led the team to La Liga and Spanish Super Cup titles in the 2022/2023 season. Xavi Hernandez will lead the first team for the last time this Sunday in Seville.