Barcelona have announced the departure of manager Xavi, with former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick slated to take over.
Xavi’s final match in charge will be on Sunday, when Barcelona hosts Sevilla in their concluding La Liga fixture of the season.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta met with Xavi after Friday’s training session to confirm the club’s decision on a change of direction.
The move comes just one month after Xavi and Laporta announced in a joint news conference that the Catalan coach would fulfil his contract, which runs until 2025,
despite having previously planned to step down this summer.
Barcelona said in a statement.
“Barcelona president Joan Laporta has communicated to Xavi Hernández that he will not continue as coach for the 2024-25 season.”
“The meeting took place at the training ground in the presence of vice president Rafa Yuste, sporting directors Deco and Xavi’s assistants, Óscar Hernández and Sergio Alegre.
“Barcelona want to thank Xavi for his work as coach, which adds to his unmatchable career as a player and the captain of the first team, and wish him all the best in the future.
“Xavi will take charge of Sunday’s game against Sevilla in what will be his final match as coach.
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“In the coming days, Barcelona will reveal the new coaching structure for the first team staff.”
Flick, 59, has been out of work since leaving the Germany job in 2023 but has impressed the Barça hierarchy in talks.
Barça B team coach Rafa Márquez and outgoing Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel were also considered, but a source said negotiations with Flick’s camp were now advanced.
Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Paris St-Germain.
Xavi spent 17 years with Barcelona as a player, having emerged from the club’s La Masia academy.
After four years’ playing for Qatari side Al-Sadd, Xavi retired in 2019 to take over the side as manager.
He remained in Qatar for a further two seasons, before replacing Ronald Koeman in November 2021 as Barcelona boss.
Xavi helped the club to the La Liga title and Spanish Cup during his first full season in charge, earning the side a return to the Champions League.
During his 141 games as Barcelona boss, Xavi won 89 matches – giving him a 63% win ratio.
