Barcelona sack head coach Xavi Hernandez for comments over financial situation; Hansi Flick likely to succeed

Barcelona have officially parted ways with head coach Xavi Hernandez on Friday (May 24), who will now leave the club with one La Liga match remaining of the 2023-24 season.

The decision comes after the board was not happy with Xavi’s comment on the club’s financial situation while making comparisons with Real Madrid. Former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick is expected to succeed Xavi and could be announced soon.

🚨🔵🔴 BREAKING: Xavi has been sacked, also directly informed today by Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

Hansi Flick, set to become new Barça head coach soon. 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/srnzInY9JO — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 24, 2024

Barcelona part ways with Xavi

The decision to sack Xavi was a formality after the Barcelona board showeditsdiscontent overXavi’scomment when comparing the financial situation with Real Madrid. Xavi had commented on theclub’sinability to challenge big teams like Real Madrid during the pre-match press conference for La Liga contest against Almeria.

“FC Barcelona wishes to thank Xavi for his work as a coach, as well as for his inimitable career as a player andasteam captain, and wishes him every future success in the world,”a statement on theclub’sofficial website read.

“Xavi Hernández will be coaching the team for the last time inSunday'sgame away to Sevilla,”the statement added.

The former midfielder stood by his wordswhilePresident Juan Laporta was unhappy with the comments and did not travel with the side after the Almeria win.

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“Barcelona fans have to understand,we’renot in the same situation (as those clubs),”Xavi said before the La Liga contest against Almeria.

Barcelona U-turn goeswrong

Interestingly, Xavi had only reversed his decision to stay at Barcelona in Aprilhavingearlierstated that hewon’tcontinue beyond the current season.President Laporta played a pivotal role in Xavi staying at the club.However,it washis decision on Fridaythathas now seen the last of Xavi at his boyhood club.

Despite the decision to sack Xavi, he will be the man to take charge of the side on Sunday in theclub’sfinal game of the season against Sevilla.