Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez addresses his dismissal as head coach, just a month after deciding to stay due to improved team performance. Xavi thanks fans and pledges ongoing support for the club. Former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick is set to succeed him. Xavi plans to seek new managerial opportunities.
Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has finally spoken out following the club's decision to dismiss him as head coach at the end of the current season. This announcement comes just a month after Xavi had reversed his decision to step down, driven by an improved performance from the team.
In late January, Xavi revealed his intention to resign at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. However, a resurgence in form led him to change his mind. Despite this, Barcelona has now opted to part ways with the 44-year-old, with his last game scheduled against Sevilla on Sunday. Xavi has now addressed the situation publicly for the first time.
Taking to Instagram, Xavi wrote: "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.
"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."
