Xavi sacked as FC Barcelona release statement ahead of final encounter

FC Barcelona released a statement on social media as they announced the sacking of manager Xavi Hernandez, "FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta informed Xavi Hernández this morning that he will not continue as manager for the 2024-25 season."

The Mundo Deportivo newspaper revealed that Hansi Flick will take over as Barcelona manager next week for the next two years. During the last few hours, the FC Barcelona management reached a contract with the German coach to replace Xavi Hernandez as Blaugrana head coach. Next Monday will be an official announcement of Flick's appointment and Xavi's resignation.

The encounter against Sevilla on Sunday is expected to be Xavi's last as Barcelona's technical director, after which he would be officially told of his departure. It is unclear whether Xavi is going to decide not to get compensation for his departure, even though he and the rest of his staff have the opportunity to receive 15 million euros if they leave before the start of the summer of 2025.

Barcelona has apparently signed a verbal deal with Hansi Flick in order to take over as coach during the months to come if Xavi leaves at the conclusion of the season. Deco and Bojan spoke with Flick about the job this week, and it's now being claimed the former Bayern Munich manager is prepared to take over.

According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport Germany, the two parties have reached a verbal agreement, and Joan Laporta is "100% convinced" of the ex-Germany boss. Flick is also claimed to have supplied Barcelona with an organised plan, albeit there is no information on his ideas for the team. Diario AS also reports that a deal has been reached, with Flick expected to sign a two-year agreement with the club.

Robert Lewandowski’s future with FC Barcelona

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has stated that he intends to stay with the La Liga club for the coming season and aims to contribute to his team's quest for silverware. The 35-year-old finished his debut campaign as the league's leading scorer with 23 goals, and he has scored 18 goals during Barcelona's current trophyless season. Lewandowski's destiny at the club remains uncertain after manager Xavi announced his resignation.

The former Bayern Munich striker said, "Of course, for me it is super clear. I want to win many titles with Barcelona and I am sure that next season we will be even stronger and we will also win titles"