As we approach the end of the 2023/24 football season, FC Barcelona have made a major announcement. The club has made it official that Xavi’s reign as Barca’s manager will not be extended to the 2024/25 season.
Xavi’s reign at the club which began back in November of 2021 has proven to be fruitful. The Catalans claimed their first league title in 4 years. Additionally, they also won a Spanish Supercup where they were able to triumph against their eternal rivals.
However, a very important facet of Xavi’s reign has been the exposure to the youth that he has provided. We have witnessed the ascension of Lamine Yamal on the professional footballing stage under his reign. Moreover, Xavi has gone out of his way to give debuts to highly touted talents such as Cubarsi, Guiu, and Fort.
Fallout with the Board
Previously, Xavi had announced on his own accord that this would be his final season as the club’s manager. Nonetheless, the team made some progress and the board convinced Xavi to continue on for one more season.
The team experienced some difficulties in the concluding part of the season which made Xavi confess Barca’s limitations publicly. FC Barcelona President, Joan Laporta, did not take this kindly and a rift began to emerge between both parties. Eventually, Xavi was sacked in a sudden manner.
It goes without saying that the Barca board handled the matter unprofessionally and disrespected the greatest midfielder this institute has ever seen. Convincing Xavi to stay, only to abruptly sack him later comes across as extremely discourteous.
The Culers wish that Xavi’s spell at the club could have ended as beautifully as his playing career here did. Nevertheless, they will all surely be rooting for their legend wherever his managerial career takes him.
