Barcelona has announced the departure of coach Xavi Hernandez (44) after a season devoid of silverware. The decision comes after the Catalan giants failed to clinch any trophies, prompting Barcelona president Joan Laporta to inform Xavi that he will not continue as coach for the 2024/25 season.
Xavi, who will oversee Barcelona’s final LaLiga match against Sevilla on Sunday before his departure, had initially declared his intention to leave at the end of the season back in January. However, a period of strong performances led to discussions between Xavi and President Laporta in April, culminating in an agreement for Xavi to stay for the next campaign, with his contract set to expire in June 2025.
Nevertheless, tensions arose following Xavi’s remarks suggesting Barcelona’s financial constraints hindered their ability to compete with the likes of Real Madrid and other top European clubs. Laporta, reportedly angered by these comments, opted to part ways with Xavi, ending his coaching tenure prematurely.
Barcelona expressed gratitude to Xavi for his contributions as coach, acknowledging his illustrious playing career and leadership as the captain of the first team. The club wished him the best for the future and announced plans to unveil a new coaching structure for the first team staff in the coming days.
The decision to part ways with Xavi comes after a disappointing season for Barcelona, who failed to retain their LaLiga title. Their campaign was marred by exits from various competitions, including a quarter-final elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, a resounding defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, and a loss to Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey. Barcelona will now turn their focus towards rebuilding under new leadership in the quest for silverware in the upcoming seasons.
