In Summary
- Barcelona have sacked La Liga-winning head coach Xavi and are set to replace the Spaniard with Hansi Flick
- During his 141 games as Barcelona boss, Xavi won 89 matches – giving him a 63% win ratio.
- The decision to sack Xavi comes a month after Barcelona persuaded him to stay on as manager
Barcelona have sacked head coach Xavi after three years in the role, with former Bayern Munich and Germany boss Hansi Flick primed to replace him.
The 44-year-old Spaniard will take charge of Barcelona’s final game of the season against Sevilla on Sunday before leaving the club.
The former midfielder had made his intention to resign from his role clear earlier on in the season, before making a U-turn deciding to stay longer.
‘I’m full of energy and desire,’ he had said in April after deciding to remain in charge ‘We are analysing what has happened to us this year in order to improve next season. We’re looking forward to getting second place. I’m looking forward to it.’
READ also:Xavi to step down as Barcelona Coach at end of season in shock announcement
Barcelona wishes to thank Xavi
A statement from the Catalan club read: “FC Barcelona wishes to thank Xavi for his work as coach, as well as for his inimitable career as a player and as team captain, and wishes him every future success in the world.”
Xavi will depart Barcelona with the club in second place in the table, but they go into Sunday’s final day of the season 12 points behind champions Real Madrid.
The Spaniard also took the Catalans to the Champions League quarter-finals but lost to Paris Saint-Germain.
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 the course of the next few days, FC Barcelona will be making an announcement regarding the new first team structure.
