Audio By Carbonatix
Barcelona have sacked manager Xavi with former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick set to replace him.
Xavi will take charge of Barcelona for the final time on Sunday when they host Sevilla in their last La Liga match of the season.
The 44-year-old, who had been contracted until 2025, was informed of the club's decision during a meeting with club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco on Friday.
Former Spain midfielder Xavi announced in January that he would leave the Camp Nou, but he was persuaded to stay by Laporta in April.
But recent comments from Xavi, in which he opened up about the club's financial struggles, are said to have angered Laporta.
Barcelona said they would like to "thank Xavi for his work as a coach" since taking charge in 2021.
The Catalans added a "new structure" that will be confirmed in the coming days, with Flick set to take charge.
Flick, 59, has been out of work since being sacked by Germany in September 2023.
In 2020, the German guided Bayern Munich to the treble, winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League.
Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski, 35, played under Flick at the Allianz Arena for two seasons.
After guiding Barcelona to the La Liga title in 2022-23, Xavi's side put up a disappointing defence to their crown this term.
The Catalans are 12 points behind rivals Real Madrid, with one game remaining in the season.
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.
Barcelona's full statement
"Today, Friday, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernandez that he will not be continuing as first team coach in the 2024-25 season.
"The meeting happened at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and was also attended by sporting vice-president Rafa Yuste, director of sport Anderson Luis de Souza, Deco, Xavi, Oscar Hernández and Sergio Alegre.
"Barcelona wishes to thank Xavi for his work as a 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 Hernandez will be coaching the team for the last time in Sunday's game away to Sevilla.
"During the course of the next few days, Barcelona will be making an announcement regarding the new first team structure."
Latest Stories
-
TUSAAG suspends strike, resumes work after renewed talks with government
2 minutes -
PIAC marks 15 years of oil revenue accountability and transparency
9 minutes -
Adongo calls for non-political interference in $1.46bn Heritage Fund reviewÂ
14 minutes -
FDA records GH¢70m surplus in 2025 amid concerns over ageing lab equipment
15 minutes -
Arise Ghana demands stronger commitment to end galamsey
17 minutes -
96% of Ghanaian pensioners willing to work beyond retirement age – Study
21 minutes -
Ghana gets nuclear power plant simulatorÂ
27 minutes -
Temporary Akosombo power control facility to be ready by September – Energy Ministry
28 minutes -
GMTF, Atlantic Lifesciences explore local production of cancer and heart medicines
32 minutes -
GHS medical-legal claims hit GH¢400m in three years
38 minutes -
Mahama cautions Ghanaians not to take religious freedom for granted
54 minutes -
We need development pathway, not selection exercise – Sports Minister urges football stakeholders
1 hour -
Government prioritises foundational learning to improve education outcomes Â
1 hour -
Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire deepen maritime security cooperation through joint boundary inspection
1 hour -
Three-hour rainfall exposes poor drainage system in Kadjebi
1 hour