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Tag: Xavi Hernandez

  • Barcelona sacks head coach Xavi Hernandez

    Barcelona sacks head coach Xavi Hernandez

    FC Barcelona has officially announced the dismissal of head coach Xavi Hernandez in a statement released on Friday afternoon in Spain.

    Xavi had previously announced in January that he would be stepping down from the high-pressure head coach role on June 30.

    However, in April, he reversed this decision following a meeting with Laporta, and it was announced that he had agreed to see out his contract, which expires on the same date in 2025.

    Last week, Xavi reportedly angered the board with negative comments about how the club’s economic challenges affect its ability to compete with bitter rivals Real Madrid.

    “The president of FC Barcelona, ​​Joan Laporta, announced this afternoon to Xavi Hernández that he will not continue as coach of the first team in the 2024-25 season,” the statement began.

    “The meeting took place at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and the sports vice-president, Rafa Yuste, and the sports director, Anderson Luís de Souza, Deco, as well as Xavi’s assistants, Òscar Hernández and Sergio Alegre, were present.

    ​​​​​​​”FC Barcelona would like to thank Xavi for his work as a coach, which adds to an unparalleled career as a player and captain of the team, and wishes him all the luck in the world.

    “Xavi Hernández will lead his last game as first team coach this Sunday in Seville.

    “In the coming days, FC Barcelona will inform about the new structure of the first team,” the statement concluded.

    The development is the latest of a series of twist and turns related to who mans the Blaugrana dugout.

    Hansi Flick is set to become new Barça head coach soon, according to reports.

  • Xavi makes U-turn; to stay as Barcelona coach

    Xavi makes U-turn; to stay as Barcelona coach

    Xavi Hernández has opted to extend his tenure as Barcelona coach until the conclusion of his contract in 2025, as confirmed by a source to ESPN.

    This decision marks a reversal of his previous announcement to step down at the end of the season, citing mental fatigue amidst disappointing results.

    After a meeting with president Joan Laporta on Wednesday, the former Spain international has committed to fulfilling his contractual obligations with the Catalan club. Xavi, who took over as Barça coach in 2021, guided the team to their first league title in four years last season and inked a contract extension until June 30, 2025, with an option for an additional year.

    Despite encountering challenges earlier in the season with defeats in various competitions, including a notable loss to Villarreal in January prompting his initial resignation announcement, Xavi’s leadership sparked a resurgence on the field.

    Barça went on a 13-game unbeaten streak, prompting support from club officials for Xavi to stay on.

    Although recent setbacks, including elimination from the Champions League and a defeat in El Clásico, have dimmed their title hopes, sources indicate that Barça remained steadfast in their desire for Xavi to continue.

    Financial considerations and Xavi’s success in nurturing young talents further reinforced the club’s commitment to him.

    While other candidates were considered as potential replacements, the Barcelona board ultimately reaffirmed their preference for Xavi during discussions on Wednesday.

    A final agreement was reached later in the day following a meeting between Xavi and Laporta, solidifying his decision to remain at the helm of the club.

  • Xavi slapped with two-match suspension after Atletico clash

    Xavi slapped with two-match suspension after Atletico clash

    Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has been handed a two-match suspension by the Competitions Committee following his red card during their 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.

    SPORT confirmed the news via @Barca_Buzz on X.

    Xavi’s expulsion occurred during the first half of the match at the Wanda Metropolitano due to his protests and complaints about the referee’s decisions.

    Despite fears of a three-match ban due to his previous disciplinary issues, Xavi received a two-match suspension, allowing him to be on the sidelines for the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid in April.

    Along with the suspension, Xavi has been fined €600 (£514/$655), and the club will also need to pay a penalty of €700 (£600/$764).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWq5Pmdo0Og

    Barca Noticias reports that Xavi has accumulated 24 yellow cards in La Liga over his three-year tenure as Barcelona manager, averaging one yellow card every 5.5 league games.

    This rate is significantly higher than his frequency of receiving yellow cards as a player, where he averaged one yellow card every 13 games throughout his 928-match career.

    Xavi’s suspension means he will miss Barcelona’s upcoming matches against Las Palmas at Montjuic and Cadiz away, before returning to the touchline for the Clasico against Real Madrid on April 21.

    However, he will still oversee Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain on April 10.

  • Xavi wishes for a Barca future for Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka

    Xavi wishes for a Barca future for Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka

    Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez expressed his admiration for Napoli’s defensive midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, stating his desire to see the Slovakian international join Barcelona.

    Speaking at a press conference prior to Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League match against Napoli, Xavi responded to an Italian journalist’s question about which Napoli player he would prefer to have at Barcelona.

    “If I had to say one, it would be Lobotka,” he said. “I like how he builds his game, never missing a single ball. I would like to see him at a club like Barcelona. In my opinion, he could make a difference here the same way he has for Napoli.”

    Lobotka, aged 29, made the move to Napoli in 2019 from LaLiga outfit Celta Vigo for a transfer fee of €21 million ($22.9 million).

    He has been a regular starter in all 28 of Napoli’s Serie A matches this season, as well as featuring in their seven UEFA Champions League games.

    Additionally, Lobotka played in every match during Napoli’s successful 2022-23 league campaign and started in all 10 of their Champions League fixtures.

  • Such an embarrassment – Xavi fumes after ‘poor’ refereeing decisions in Barcelona draw with Getafe

    Such an embarrassment – Xavi fumes after ‘poor’ refereeing decisions in Barcelona draw with Getafe


    Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez     launched a surprising verbal assault on La Liga president Javier Tebas, characterising the current state of the league as a disgrace.

    Xavi’s outburst came in the aftermath of Barcelona’s lacklustre goalless draw against Getafe in the league’s opening fixture.

    The match saw three red cards issued by the referee, a situation that greatly infuriated Xavi and led to his aggressive response.

    The referee, Cesar Soto Grado, allowed Getafe to employ a rugged and frequently aggressive playing style, which disrupted the flow of the game and left both players and spectators disconcerted.

    A potential late penalty for Barcelona was denied due to a controversial handball incident involving Gavi.

    This decision intensified Xavi’s frustration, ultimately leading to his expulsion for dissent.

    Xavi said in the post match conference: “If this match is La Liga’s product, it’s an absolute embarrassment. I understand why people don’t watch our football.


    “The handball given to Gavi was invented. They told us in a meeting that only very clear handballs would be given, and Gavi’s wasn’t one, yet they gave it anyway.

    “They told us they would use VAR less and I don’t know if VAR is there to help or not. I don’t see the point of that meeting. I was sent off for telling the referee they were allowing Getafe to get away with a lot of fouls and not doing the same for us.


    “We had a meeting with the referees, and the first change they said they would make is that they would understand the coaches more, and the tension we feel on the pitch. But that is not what happened, and I don’t understand it.”


    Xavi’s dismissal from the touchline could result in him being sidelined for a minimum of the next two matches.

    However, due to his post-match tirade, it’s possible that his absence from the pitchside might extend to a range of five to ten games, considering La Liga president Tebas’ track record of not tolerating criticism.

    The absence of key players in crucial positions is already posing challenges for the Blaugrana, and the impending suspensions of both Raphinha and coach Xavi are expected to exacerbate the situation.

    Xavi’s outspoken criticism directed towards the La Liga president and the match officials might lead to a prolonged suspension.

  • We need something more – Xavi wants Barcelona to sign more players after clubs win over Real Madrid

    We need something more – Xavi wants Barcelona to sign more players after clubs win over Real Madrid

    Following Barcelona’s impressive 3-0 victory against Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly in Dallas, manager Xavi Hernandez called for more signings to bolster the squad.

    Despite the resounding win, Xavi emphasized the need to strengthen the first-team and fill any gaps in the team with new players.

    He expressed the possibility of Barcelona making additional signings to further reinforce the squad.


    Speaking to reporters after El Clasico win, Xavi said, “The market closes on the 31st of August. A lot can happen. Hopefully, we can strengthen more.


    “We are missing some players. The sports management knows it and the President knows it. Despite the result and the euphoria, we need something more.”


    The Barcelona manager is aware of the challenges the club face in the transfer market due to financial constraints. Despite this, he remains determined to find suitable additions to the squad.


    While the team cannot afford all of their primary targets due to Financial Fair Play restrictions, Xavi remains optimistic that more players will be acquired.


    He also emphasized the significance of nurturing talent from the club’s La Masia academy, suggesting that home-grown players could play a crucial role in strengthening the team.


    The reigning La Liga champions will play their final pre-season friendly game against AC Milan on August 2 in Las Vegas.