Barcelona Sack Xavi with Hansi Flick Lined up to Replace Him

Barcelona has decided to part ways with their manager, Xavi, and is set to appoint former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick as his successor.

Xavi, who will manage his final game for Barcelona on Sunday when they host Sevilla in their last La Liga match of the season, had a contract that extended until 2025.

The decision to sack Xavi was conveyed to him during a meeting on Friday with club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco. This decision comes exactly one month after it was initially announced that Xavi would remain at the club. Xavi, a former Spain midfielder, had previously announced in January his intention to leave Camp Nou. However, he was persuaded to stay on by Laporta in April.

The relationship between Xavi and Laporta reportedly soured due to recent comments from Xavi about the club’s financial struggles, which are said to have angered the president.

In an official statement, Barcelona expressed their gratitude towards Xavi for his contributions as a coach since taking charge in 2021. They also mentioned that a "new structure" for the club would be confirmed in the coming days, with Hansi Flick set to take over.

Hansi Flick, who has been out of work since being sacked by Germany in September 2023, will step in as the new manager. Flick, who succeeded Joachim Low as the national team boss in 2021, was the first Germany manager to be sacked since the role was established in 1926, having won only 12 of his 25 matches in charge. Prior to his stint with Germany, Flick had a highly successful spell with Bayern Munich, where he led the team to a treble in 2020, securing the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League titles.

Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona’s 35-year-old forward, previously played under Flick at Bayern Munich for two seasons, adding a familiar face for the incoming manager.

Xavi’s tenure at Barcelona saw mixed results. While he guided the team to a La Liga title in the 2022-23 season, the current campaign has been disappointing. Barcelona is set to finish the season 12 points behind their rivals, Real Madrid, with only one game remaining. Additionally, Barcelona's journey in the Champions League was cut short at the quarter-final stage by Paris Saint-Germain.

Xavi, a product of Barcelona's La Masia academy, spent 17 years with the club as a player before retiring in 2019 after a four-year stint with Qatari side Al-Sadd. He then transitioned to management, taking over Al-Sadd before being appointed Barcelona’s manager in November 2021, replacing Ronald Koeman. During his time as Barcelona’s manager, Xavi helped the club secure a La Liga title and the Spanish Cup in his first full season, which also saw the team return to the Champions League.

The decision to sack Xavi has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Sevilla boss Quique Sanchez Flores. Speaking to reporters, Flores expressed his dismay at how Barcelona has treated their legends. "I shouldn't say this, but how badly Barcelona treats its legends. What a bad streak," Flores remarked, referencing the treatment of Ronald Koeman, Lionel Messi, and now Xavi. He added, "I wish clubs treated their legends well. That would be fantastic. Xavi is a legend of the club."

Despite his dismissal, Xavi will remain in charge for Barcelona’s final game of the season against Sevilla. His tenure as manager saw him oversee 141 games, of which he won 89, giving him a win ratio of 63%.

As Barcelona prepares for a new chapter under Hansi Flick, the club and its supporters are hopeful for a return to glory. Flick's successful track record with Bayern Munich, including his ability to secure major titles, brings a sense of optimism. However, the pressure will be on him to navigate the club through its financial troubles and reclaim dominance both domestically and in Europe.

Xavi's departure marks the end of an era but also signifies the beginning of a new phase for Barcelona. The club's decision to bring in Hansi Flick underscores their commitment to building a competitive team capable of challenging the best in the world. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this new direction unfolds and whether Flick can replicate his past successes with the Catalan giants.