A definitive end to Xavi’s tenure, following an unforeseen summit at the Ciutat Esportiva where events unfolded rapidly despite the final LaLiga match against Sevilla still pending. Xavi arrived as the savior, clinching a league title and a Supercopa in what seemed to herald a “new era” for Barça. However, with time, the effect dissipated, and the team crumbled, hitting rock bottom in a season where Barcelona came up empty-handed. The coach himself announced his deferred resignation at the end of January after a catastrophic defeat to Villarreal (3-5) at Montjuïc.
Then came the regret, the awaited reversal, the excessive euphoria act from Laporta-Xavi, and the entire Board to celebrate the unheard-of: the continuity of a coach with a contract. Neither renewal nor signing. “Xavi stays” was the slogan, the meme circulating on social media. “We are pleased to announce that Xavi will continue as the first-team coach,” Laporta began his speech enthusiastically. “The entire board supports Xavi,” said the president despite strong disagreements in a morning meeting. “Intact hopes,” “winning project,” “consensus,” “support,” “team,” “unity” … were heard at that press conference.
But the narrative changed. Xavi’s pessimistic remarks before the match against Almería were the last straw for the coach, who exhausted the seven lives earned during his playing days. Xavi publicly emphasized the club’s lack of financial resources to tackle significant operations and the need to strengthen the squad “if we don’t want everything to remain the same,” admitting inferiority to Madrid and saying it would be difficult “to compete in Europe.” His reference to the signing of Vitor Roque also didn’t sit well, as he had requested it in January. For all these reasons, Laporta became furious, leading to the tsunami that resulted in the dismissal of the coach from Terrassa, three years later. Xavi, out despite having a contract until 2025. The Flick era begins, and he will be presented next week.
Barça’s Statement
Xavi Hernández will no longer be the coach at the end of the season. In a meeting at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, president Joan Laporta informed Xavi Hernández that he will not continue as the first-team coach for the 2024-25 season.
FC Barcelona wants to thank Xavi for his work as a coach, which adds to an unparalleled career as a player and captain of the team, and wishes him all the best.
Xavi Hernández will manage his last match as the first-team coach this Sunday in Seville.
In the coming days, FC Barcelona will announce the new structure of the first team.
Flick, Confirmed
Barça has reached an agreement with German Hans Flick as the coach for the next season, as reported by this newspaper yesterday, Thursday. The club, now that Xavi’s dismissal has been officialized, aims to present the German coach on Thursday or Friday of next week to counterprogram the Champions League final at Wembley.
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