Barcelona will not have Xavi Hernandez at the helm next season, after five months of uncertainty over his future. A month to the day where Xavi’s future was ratified for the final year of his contract, they have told him that he is not in their plans for next season.
As per Relevo, the decision has already been made and after Xavi led a training session with the team, his penultimate as coach, the club told him of his decision. It was rumoured last week that President Joan Laporta had U-turned on his decision to continue with the coach, and that appears it will be confirmed publicly in the coming days.
An emergency meeting between Laporta, La Masia co-ordinator Joan Soler, Sporting Director Deco and Vice-President Rafa Yuste took place at the Ciutat Esportiva training ground, and shortly after it appears Xavi has been told he will not continue next season. Multiple sources say that it was Laporta himself that told Xavi of his decision.
It appears to be decided that Hansi Flick will be his replacement, with an announcement due to come next week. The German manager will come in on a deal for a year with an option to extend it for a further season.
The key issue to be sorted out remains the contracts of Xavi and his staff. With the cost of their dismissal estimated around €20m, Laporta and company will no doubt try to come to terms over a reduced package. Xavi has always maintained he would be willing to waive his compensation in order to help the club out, but after the treatment of him in recent weeks, that is now in the air.
The post Barcelona tell manager Xavi Hernandez that he will not be at the club next season appeared first on Football España.
LISTEN TO FOOTBALL PODCAST