Barcelona sack Xavi as manager

MADRID: Barcelona have sacked manager Xavi Hernandez, the LaLiga club said on Friday, four weeks after confirming he would honour the last year of his contract and lead them through next season. The decision ended months of arguments between Barca and Xavi who made 767 appearances as a midfielder for the Spanish giants and helped them win 25 major trophies.

“Today Friday, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernandez that he will not be continuing as first team coach in the 2024-25 season,” Barcelona said in a statement. “Barcelona wish to thank Xavi for his work as coach, as well as for his inimitable career as a player and as team captain, and wishes him every future success in the world.” Barcelona will finish second in LaLiga, at least nine points behind champions Real Madrid, and Xavi had announced in January that he would resign at the end of this season.