Barcelona have dismissed manager Xavi, with former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick set to succeed him.
Xavi will manage Barcelona for the final time on Sunday, as they host Sevilla in their last La Liga match of the season.
The 44-year-old, who had a contract until 2025, was informed of the club’s decision during a Friday meeting with club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, exactly one month after it was announced he would remain with the club.
Former Spain midfielder Xavi had announced in January that he would leave Camp Nou, but he was persuaded to stay by Laporta in April.
However, recent comments from Xavi regarding the club’s financial struggles reportedly angered Laporta.
Barcelona expressed their gratitude to Xavi for his work as a coach since taking over in 2021.
The club added that a “new structure” will be confirmed in the coming days, with Flick set to take charge.
The 59-year-old Hansi Flick has been unemployed since his dismissal by Germany in September 2023.
Flick, who succeeded Joachim Low as national team manager in 2021, became the first Germany manager to be sacked since the position was established in 1926, having won only 12 of his 25 matches in charge.
Before his tenure with Germany, Flick led Bayern Munich to a treble in 2020, securing the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League titles.
Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski, 35, played under Flick at Bayern Munich for two seasons.
After leading Barcelona to the La Liga title in the 2022-23 season, Xavi’s team had a disappointing defense of their crown this term.
The Catalans are 12 points behind rivals Real Madrid, with one game left in the season.
Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Paris Saint-Germain.
Xavi spent 17 years with Barcelona as a player, emerging from the club’s La Masia academy.
After four years playing for Qatari side Al-Sadd, Xavi retired in 2019 to become their manager.
He remained in Qatar for two more seasons before replacing Ronald Koeman as Barcelona manager in November 2021.
Xavi guided the club to the La Liga title and Spanish Cup during his first full season in charge, securing a return to the Champions League.
Sevilla boss Quique Sanchez Flores has criticized Barcelona’s treatment of Xavi.
“I shouldn’t say this, but how badly Barcelona treats its legends. What a bad streak,” Flores told reporters on Friday afternoon.
“With Koeman, with Messi, with Xavi now – how bad. I wish clubs treated their legends well. That would be fantastic. Xavi is a legend of the club.”
Flores added he had “doubts the criticism about him [Xavi] is correct”.
Barcelona will finish the season second in LaLiga behind champions Real Madrid and Xavi will remain in charge for the game at Sevilla.
During his 141 games as Barcelona boss, Xavi won 89 matches – giving him a 63% win ratio.