Barcelona have decided to sack Xavi Hernandez. This comes a month after the club convinced the Spaniard to stay. Xavi announced earlier in the 2023-24 season that he will step down at the end of the campaign. Barca, however, convinced him to change his decision.
An upturn in form saw Xavi reconsider his stance. However, he has surprisingly been sacked. The legendary midfielder reacted to the decision on social media, writing (via GOAL):
“Dear fans, my time on the Barça bench will end on Sunday. It’s never easy to leave the club of your life, but I do it very proudly, after two and a half years at the head of a dressing room that has been like a second family. I want to thank the support and affection of the fans, who have always been by my side and have always shown me the same love as during my time as a footballer. From Sunday I will be one more culer (Barcelona supporter) in the stands, either now at the Olympic Stadium or in a few months at the Nou Camp. Because before I am a player or a coach, I am a Barcelona fan and I only want the best for the club of my life, which will always have me at its disposal.”
He added:
“I have worked with a group of fantastic players and with a spectacular staff. Thanks to all of them, we have been achieving the objectives set, culminating last year with a League and a Super Cup. This season things didn’t go as we wanted, but we put our heads together and helped grow a new generation of young footballers from La Masia who inspire all of us Barcelona fans. Many thanks to all. To the fans, the players, the staff, the club employees, the President, the Board of Directors, the sports directors, the media and everyone with whom I have shared the journey over these two and a half seasons. I wish the best to the club that I carry in my heart. Visca Barça.”
Xavi’s Barcelona tenure
Xavi took charge of Barcelona in the middle of the 2021-22 season. He helped the club recover from a dark phase. In his first full season as the coach, 2022-23, Xavi helped Barca win the Supercopa de Espana and the La Liga title. However, this season, they trailed Real Madrid by a lot in the title defense.
Barcelona were also knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals. However, Barca’s approach toward Xavi has drawn criticism. Many have accused the Catalan club of being disrespectful.
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