Club legend Xavi Hernandez will depart his position as Barcelona’s head coach after the team’s final match of the season on Sunday, the club confirmed in a statement on Friday. Following a meeting with Barcelona president Joan Laporta after training, it was decided that a new direction was needed. Former Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick is set to succeed Xavi.
“FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernández that he will not be continuing as first team coach in the 2024-25 season.” the club announced. in a statement.
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Barcelona take a U-turn on Xavi
This decision comes a month after Xavi and Laporta jointly declared that Xavi would honour his contract until 2025, despite plans for an earlier departure. Xavi had announced his intention to leave in January following a heavy defeat to Villarreal. His departure, though surprising at the time, seemed logical given the team’s struggles. Despite winning their first league title in four years in April 2023, Barca had since stagnated, plagued by tactical issues and bad luck.
Hansi Flick to replace Xavi
Hansi Flick, who won the treble with Bayern Munich in the 2019-20 season, is poised to take over. Flick, 59, has been unemployed since his dismissal from the German national team in September. The Barcelona role will be his first coaching position outside Germany. An official announcement regarding his appointment is expected next week.
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