Barcelona announced in a statement on Friday that Xavi Hernández will step down as coach following the season’s last match on Sunday.
He is “on course” to be replaced, an ESPN source said, citing Hansi Flick, the former coach of Germany and Bayern Munich.
Following Friday’s training session, Xavi spoke with Barcelona President Joan Laporta to clarify the club’s intention to take a different approach.
This is the first action taken in less than a month after Xavi and Laporta jointly stated at a press conference that the Catalan coach will serve out the remainder of his contract, which runs until 2025, even though he had originally intended to retire this summer.
“Barcelona president Joan Laporta has communicated to Xavi Hernández that he will not continue as coach for the 2024-25 season,” the club said in a statement.
“Vice president Rafa Yuste, sporting directors Deco and Xavi’s assistants, Íscar Hernández and Sergio Alegre, were present for the meeting at the training facility.
“Xavi’s efforts as a coach have enhanced his illustrious career as a player and first team captain, and Barcelona would like to thank him for it and wish him luck in his future endeavors.
“Xavi’s final game as coach will be on Sunday against Sevilla. He will be in charge of that game.”
Flick expected to replace him
Meanwhile, Laporta has always thought highly of Flick. ESPN reported in May 2021 that Barça had reached out to Flick’s camp to inquire about his availability, but the Bayern coach at the time had already committed to the Germany national team, therefore, the squad opted to retain Ronald Koeman.
This time, however, things are different because Flick hasn’t had a job since Germany fired him in September 2023. Prior to taking over as Germany’s manager, Flick guided Bayern to a triple crown in 2020, winning the Champions League and defeating Barcelona 8-2.
Prior to taking up coaching, he worked mostly as Joachim Löw’s assistant with the German national team. In this capacity, he supported Germany during their 2014 World Cup victory.
Credit: ESPN
