Barcelona decided to sack head coach Xavi on Friday, and HITC can confirm that president Joan Laporta did it knowing who was going to succeed him.
The news came as something as a shock, as only last month – Xavi and Barcelona had announced that that he was in fact staying put in the Catalan capital, which had come after he had originally confirmed in January that he would be leaving.
However, the relationship between Xavi and president Laporta has diminished in recent weeks and it became apparent that the Barca chief was looking elsewhere.
That was confirmed when Barcelona announced that Xavi was leaving the club and this weekend’s clash with Sevilla would be his last in charge of the club.
A Barca statement confirmed that Xavi had been informed that he would not be remaining in charge of the club.
“Barcelona president Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernández 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 Hernandez and Sergio Alegre.
“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 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, FC Barcelona will be making an announcement regarding the new first team structure.”
Hansi Flick set to take charge of Barcelona
Now HITC can confirm that Laporta has indeed been on the look-out for a new head coach and has found his man as we understand he has agreed terms with Hansi Flick.
Flick was someone who Laporta looked at following Xavi’s initial announcement in January and now he has returned to him and has quickly agreed terms.
Flick had been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United in recent weeks, as well as former club Bayern Munich – but HITC is told that he always wanted to take charge of Barca.
HITC can reveal that Flick held talks with Laporta earlier this week and terms have been agreed on an initial two-year deal.
The move, which could be confirmed this weekend, will see the 59-year-old return to club management for the first time since 2021 when he left Bayern Munich to take charge of Germany – but he left his role with the national side last year.
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