Barcelona president Joan Laporta makes decision on Xavi - Reports
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reportedly decided that the club will part ways with manager Xavi in a remarkable turn of events. The relationship between the pair has seemingly broken down in the past week despite the manager committing to the club until the 2024-25 season.
The managerial saga at Barcelona began in January when club legend Xavi announced that he would leave the club once the season ended. This came after his side suffered a disappointing 5-3 defeat to Villarreal at home, further diminishing their hopes of retaining the league title.
La Blaugrana tried to find a replacement for the former Al Sadd manager, with names such as Julian Nagelsmann, Hansi Flick, Ruben Amorim and even Rafael Marquez linked with the job. The club eventually chose to convince him to stay, and he agreed to remain at Camp Noue for one more season on April 23.
Xavi has now reportedly fallen foul of president Laporta and sporting director Deco, both of whom were conspicuously absent as Barcelona defeated Almeria last time out.
This comes after the manager's comments ahead of the match, where he laid bare the club's financial challenges and how it would be impossible to improve unless new signings are made.
According to a report by journalist Fernando Polo (via X user @ReshadFCB), Laporta has decided that the club will part ways with the manager. The Barcelona supremo reportedly felt that his message undermined the efforts of the club and represented the opposite of what the pair had discussed in private.
A meeting could be held as soon as today (May 18) to announce the sacking of the former midfielder. It remains to be seen who the Spanish giants turn to as his replacement if Xavi does get the sack.
Teenage sensation misses out as three Barcelona stars make Team of the Season
Despite an impressive breakout season, Lamine Yamal was a surprise exclusion as the La Liga Team of the Season for 2023-24 was named, with three of his Barcelona teammates included.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, as well as Ilkay Gundogan and Ronald Araujo, made the team following their respective contributions.
Lewandowski is second in the race for the Pichichi, having scored 17 goals for La Blaugrana this season, only behind Girona star Artem Dovbyk. Gundogan has contributed five goals and eight assists from midfield in what has been an impressive debut season for the German.
Araujo has been ever-present for the side at the back, proving his worth over and again.
With the uncertainty surrounding the future of manager Xavi, Barcelona are set to finish the season in second place, which would see them net around €6 million more in income. The Spanish giants are in a period of upheaval and could do with some stability.