Barcelona Sack Coach Xavi After Trophyless Season

Barcelona FC has announced the departure of coach Xavi Hernandez following a season without silverware. Xavi is set to oversee his last match for the club against Sevilla in La Liga this Sunday.

The decision comes despite an earlier agreement between Xavi and club president Joan Laporta for the coach to remain until the end of his contract in June 2025.

The club’s statement expressed gratitude for Xavi’s contributions both as a coach and a legendary player, and indicated that a new coaching structure will be unveiled soon. Hansi Flick, the former Bayern Munich and Germany coach, is the frontrunner to take over the reins at Barcelona.

Earlier this year, Xavi had intended to step down at the season’s end, but a resurgence in form led to a change of heart in April.

However, tensions arose following Xavi’s remarks about the club’s financial difficulties impacting its competitiveness, particularly against Real Madrid and other top European teams.

Last season’s La Liga champions, Barcelona, faced a challenging campaign this year, exiting the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, suffering a defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, and being ousted from the Copa del Rey by Athletic Bilbao.

Reported By BBC Sports