Former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Hansi Flick has replaced Xavi Hernandez as FC Barcelona manager after the club decided to part ways with Xavi days after renewing his contract.
🚨🔵🔴 Hansi Flick becomes new Barcelona head coach, confirmed and here we go!
The agreement has been completed, worked and now approved by his agent Pini Zahavi on a two year deal.
Contract until 2026.
Understand Flick will bring two German assistants as part of his staff. pic.twitter.com/p702Gu2nWT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 24, 2024
Spanish giants Barcelona confirmed on Friday, May 24, that they have dismissed their manager Xavi, just weeks after extending his contract. Barcelona announced that Xavi “will not continue” as their head coach for the 2024-25 season, and his final game will be against Sevilla on Sunday.
“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 Spanish giants said in a statement.
Former Bayern Coach Hansi Flick Takes Over
Xavi’s dismissal occurred amid rumors that former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick is a contender for the managerial position at Barcelona. Flick had been unemployed since being fired by the German national team last year and will now take over the reins for the Spanish outfits.
Xavi led Barcelona to a championship victory in the 2022-23 season, but their attempt to defend the title didn’t unfold as anticipated. Despite recently making outspoken remarks regarding the club’s financial challenges, Xavi remained optimistic about his standing with Laporta and Deco.
Shock Decision By FC Barcelona
This decision marks a surprising reversal from the club, which had declared four weeks earlier that Xavi would lead the team for the next season. Xavi had initially stated in January that he would depart at the end of the season but was convinced to stay. However, his recent remarks about the club’s financial difficulties and their ability to compete with Real Madrid reportedly displeased the top management, especially President Joan Laporta.
Xavi will manage Barcelona for the last time during Sunday’s away game at Sevilla. Under his leadership, Barcelona will conclude the season without any trophies, trailing 12 points behind league champions Real Madrid, who have accumulated 94 points from 37 matches.
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