Club legend Xavi said goodbye as coach of FC Barcelona with a win. In his last game as coach of the second-placed team, Barca won 2-1 (1-1) at FC Sevilla on Sunday at the end of the Spanish football league. Star striker Robert Lewandowski scored the lead in the 15th minute. After Youssef En-Nesyri equalized (31st minute), Fermin Lopez made it 2-1, then ran to Xavi and hugged the departing coach (59th minute).
On Friday, FC Barcelona announced that the former midfield star would no longer be head coach next season, despite his contract. “Looking back, it was a wonderful experience. I thank the club for giving me the opportunity,” said the 44-year-old before the final match. “Despite the rollercoaster of emotions, I want to be a part of Barca and work for Barca.” The 2010 world champion coached the team for two and a half years and played for the Catalans as a junior and professional from 1991 to 2015.
Flick under discussion as successor
Former Bayern coach and team manager of the German Football Association (DFB), Hansi Flick, is being discussed as his successor. According to media reports from the past few days, the 59-year-old German is to be introduced as the new coach on Monday. According to “Mundo Deportivo”, a decisive phone call took place on Wednesday between Flick and Barca’s sporting director Deco. Flick is to receive a contract until 2026.
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