By Humberto Viera
May 24, 2024, 09:34 AM EDT
FC Barcelona announced this Friday the dismissal of Xavi Hernández as coach of the first team, ending a period of a year and a half at the head of the Barça bench.
According to EFE, the decision, announced by president Joan Laporta in a meeting at the Joan Gamper Sports City, marks an unexpected turn in the direction of the club, which is now preparing for a new era under the technical direction of a new strategist.
“FC Barcelona wants to thank Xavi for his work as a coach, which adds to an unparalleled career as a player and team captain, and wishes him all the luck in the world. “Xavi Hernández will direct his last game as first team coach this Sunday in Seville,” the Barça team itself indicated on its official website.
The news of Xavi’s dismissal has surprised Barcelona fans, who still hoped to see the club’s idol consolidate his project at the head of the team. Despite some irregular results this season, Xavi’s figure as a club legend and his commitment to a style of play based on possession and touch continued to generate excitement among fans.
🚨🔵🔴 Hansi Flick becomes new Barcelona head coach, confirmed and here we go!
The agreement has been completed, worked on 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
Although the official reasons for the dismissal have not been made public, various sources point to differences in criteria between Xavi and the club’s board, especially with regard to sports planning and squad management. Barça’s delicate financial situation would also have played an important role in the decision, forcing the board to look for more austere solutions on the bench.
The dismissal of Xavi leaves FC Barcelona at a crossroads. With the season about to end, the club will have to look for a new coach to take the reins of the team and define the strategy for the next campaign. Rumors point to German Hansi Flick, former Bayern Munich coach, as the main candidate for the position.
Xavi’s departure marks the end of a stage and the beginning of a new era for FC Barcelona. The Barça board faces the challenge of finding a coach capable of returning the team to the path of success and regaining the trust of the fans.
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