Reasons Behind Barcelona's Reported Xavi Sack Despite Recent Contract U Turn

Reasons Behind Barcelona's Reported Xavi Sack Despite Recent Contract U Turn

Isaac Darko
updated at May 17, 2024 at 11:40 AM
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  • Xavi Hernandez was set to continue as the manager of FC Barcelona
  • However, the 44-year-old could be cast out at the end of the season
  • The legendary midfielder has reportedly talked himself into a mess

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The Catalans could fire Xavi Hernandez as manager with President, Joan Laporta, said to be frustrated with some of his recent media statements.

Not so long ago, Laporta and Xavi held a joint press conference announcing that the manager would honour his contract at Camp Nou.

Xavi Hernandez, Joan Laporta, Barcelona, sack, Almeria, Hansi Flick.
Barcelona could sack Xavi Hernandez as manager, just weeks after he made a U-turn and decided to stay at the club. Photo by Jose Breton.
Source: Getty Images

However, according to Catalan radio station, RAC1, Xavi's comments to the press before facing Almeria on Thursday have not been well received by the club's hierarchy, putting his position at risk.

Xavi's reported comments before the Almeria tie

In those comments, Xavi referred to Real Madrid, suggesting that Barcelona might struggle to compete against Los Blancos because of the economic gap between the two Spanish clubs.

"We are going to try to compete against Real Madrid. I think that Cule (Barca fans) must understand that the situation is very difficult," he had said via GOAL.
"Above all, on an economic level. We have an economic situation that has nothing to do with 25 years ago, we can no longer go out and pick and say, 'I want this one, this one, and that one'. We are not in the same conditions as other clubs with very advantageous economic situations."

Why Laporta wants Xavi sacked

President Laporta reportedly felt let down by Xavi's statements and wanted him to convey optimism and firm belief that the Catalan giants can compete and secure titles, regardless of Real Madrid's signings.

As reported by Football Espana, the Barca chief believes the coach's statements are significantly different from what he conveyed to the board at a meeting before the decision to retain him was announced.

After the victory over Almeria, which solidified Barcelona's hold on second place, Xavi defended his comments.

"I said what I believe. The economic situation is not ideal. I simply spoke the truth: we will fight for all the titles with ambition, but the situation is challenging. It doesn't change our reality."

Laporta is also reportedly unhappy with the club legend because he believes Barca has gone to great lengths to secure signings, yet the coach 'has not capitalized on them'.

Lamine Yamal labelled 'chosen one' at Barca

Sports Brief also previously reported that FC Barcelona head coach, Xavi, has bestowed upon Lamine Yamal the 'chosen one' title.

The youngster, who received his debut start against Real Betis on April 29, 2023, has earned praise for his talent and contributions.

Xavi emphasised Yamal's transformative presence, acknowledging him as a game-changer on the pitch despite room for more growth.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)
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