Outgoing Barcelona manager Xavi has told his successor that he ‘will suffer’ and insisted that his work at the club has been underappreciated.
The former midfielder had made his intention to resign from his role clear earlier on in the season, before performing a dramatic U-turn and deciding to stay on.
However, last week, it was confirmed that he had been let go by club president Joan Laporta following a meeting with the 62-year-old after he had publicly criticised the club’s financial position.
His words angered Laporta, who has now sacked the 44-year-old, with former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick set to take over.
After his final game in charge of Sunday, Xavi warned of the perils of being Blaugrana boss and talked up his achievements during his nearly three years in the role.
Barcelona have sacked manager Xavi just a month after the former midfielder made a U-turn on his intention to leave the club
The legendary midfielder angered club president Joan Laporta when slamming the club finances publicly
‘To the new manager, I tell you: You will suffer.’ He said after Barca’s 2-1 win over Sevilla. ‘This is a difficult job and you have to be patient.’
He added: ‘I think that our work has not been appreciated enough. I took over when the team was in ninth place, finished the season in second place, and won the league the next season.’
The highlight of Xavi’s tenure was undoubtedly their LaLiga triumph last season but they have been unable to build on that success this term.
His side ended a trophyless campaign 10 points behind their arch rivals Real Madrid, who could yet add more silverware in the Champions League final on Saturday.
According to Marca, the plan was to part ways with Xavi after the conclusion of LaLiga this weekend, but the process moved forwards after a deal was agreed with Flick.
Flick’s last role in management was with Germany, where he was sacked in September after a 4-1 loss to Japan and difficult World Cup campaign in 2022.
Barcelona ended a trophyless campaign with a 2-1 win over Sevilla on Sunday. The finished 10 points behind rivals Real Madrid.
Former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick is set to take over from Xavi this summer
The 59-year-old’s side were eliminated in the group stages of the World Cup, and he was relieved of his duties less than a year later after taking over in 2021.
He also spent time in charge of Bayern Munich, winning the Champions League with the club in 2020, winning a sextuple, before resigning to take over at Germany.
