Xavi Hernandez has officially been sacked by FC Barcelona. The coach was informed about this decision during a meeting held at the club offices earlier today. This brings an end to the soap opera, which started in January following Xavi’s announcement to step down from the role. The Spanish Coach will take charge of his last game on Sunday against Sevilla. It will be his 142nd game in charge of the club, having taken charge in November 2021. The coach won a La Liga trophy and Spanish Super Cup during his reign.

BREAKING: Barcelona have sacked Xavi as the club's head coach ❌

Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernández that he will not be continuing as first team coach in the 2024-25 season. pic.twitter.com/9jc78AR3Wh

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 24, 2024

The departure comes to us in perhaps the most Barcelona way possible. In September, Xavi’s contract was renewed until 2025, only for him to announce his departure in January. The club wanted him to continue and met with him multiple times to convince him to change his decision. The strategy worked and his continuity was announced at the end of April. And then finally, his departure has been announced May 24, 2024, after days of public speculation about his future.

According to reports, the club has already decided his successor. On Wednesday, Barcelona Sporting Director Deco, accompanied by Bojan Krkić, met with German coach Hansi Flick in London on Wednesday. The meeting was very positive, with the German coach providing clear plans to the Barcelona delegation about the model he wants to implement at the club.

Barcelona President Joan Laporta was reportedly very keen on appointing the German manager and hence the decision was made. Pini Zahavi, the agent of Flick, also has very good relations with Joan which certainly had some influence on the decision as well. The contracts are being prepared and the official announcement is expected on Monday.

🚨🔵🔴 Hansi Flick becomes new Barcelona head coach, confirmed and here we go!

The agreement has been completed, worked 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

Hansi Flick is one of two managers in history to win a Sextuple-six trophies in a single year. The only other manager to do this was Pep Guardiola at Barcelona in 2009. Barcelona fans are also very familiar with the coach, having famously lost 8-2 to his Bayern side in the Champions League Quarter Finals in 2020. His direct style of play, high octane pressing and winners mentality could be exactly what Barcelona need to take this side to the next level. Flick also shares a very good bond with Robert Lewandowski, who played his best football under the manager. It will certainly be an interesting appointment and one to keep an eye out for next season.