Barcelona dismissed head coach Xavi after his three-year tenure, and former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick is poised to take over. Xavi, aged 44, will lead Barcelona in their final match against Sevilla before parting ways with the club. This decision follows Barcelona’s successful attempt to convince Xavi to remain as coach a month ago, despite his initial plan to depart at the season’s end.
In a statement, Barcelona expressed gratitude to Xavi for his contributions as coach and player, wishing him future success. Xavi leaves Barcelona in second place in the league table, trailing champions Real Madrid by 12 points. Although he guided the team to the Champions League quarter-finals, they were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain. During his tenure, Xavi secured the LaLiga title in 2023 and claimed the Spanish Super Cup.
Sevilla manager Quique Sanchez Flores, who will also be departing the club after Sunday’s game with Barcelona, criticized the Catalan club for their poor treatment of their legends.
Flores referenced the departures of Lionel Messi and Ronald Koeman from Barcelona in recent years as examples of how poorly Barcelona have treated their key figures.
“Xavi is a coach who has cared a lot about the club. He has experienced many things as a player and has done a good job as a coach,” the former Watford manager said. I’ll give him a huge hug, we’ll talk.
“I shouldn’t say this, but how badly Barcelona treats its legends. Koeman, Messi, with Xavi now… what a bad streak. I wish clubs would value their legends. That adds up.”
Which Top European clubs have dismissed their managers?
The managerial changes in top European football clubs, with Barcelona being the latest to sack their manager. In the Premier League, Chelsea has parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino, while Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag’s future is uncertain. Brighton also separated from Roberto De Zerbi despite their successful European campaign.
Bayern Munich seeks a new manager after parting with Thomas Tuchel, and Vincent Kompany is a top candidate. AC Milan’s Stefano Pioli will leave, likely replaced by Paulo Fonseca. Juventus sacked Massimiliano Allegri, to be succeeded by Thiago Motta, and Ajax appointed Francesco Farioli as their new manager.
