Barcelona has fired manager Xavi, and former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick is expected to take over.
Xavi will lead Barcelona for the final time on Sunday, when they visit Sevilla in their final La Liga encounter of the season.
The 44-year-old, who was under contract until 2025, learned of the club’s decision at a meeting with president Joan Laporta and sports director Deco on Friday.
Former Spain player Xavi said in January that he was leaving Camp Nou, but Laporta persuaded him to stay in April.
However, Xavi’s recent statements, in which he revealed the club’s financial troubles, are alleged to have enraged Laporta.
Barcelona said they wanted to “thank Xavi for his work as a coach” since taking over in 2021.
The Catalans also indicated that a “new structure” would be announced in the coming days, with Flick taking leadership.
Flick, 59, has been out of work since being fired by Germany in September 2023.
In 2020, the German led Bayern Munich to a treble by winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League.
Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski, 35, spent two seasons under Flick at the Allianz Arena.
After leading Barcelona to the La Liga title in 2022-23, Xavi’s squad had a dismal defence of their title this season.
With one game remaining in the season, Barcelona trail Real Madrid by 12 points.
Paris St-Germain eliminated Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinals.
