On Wednesday, it was made official that Xavi Hernandez had left his position as Barcelona head coach, and he was immediately replaced by Hansi Flick, whose arrival had been in the pipeline for a couple of weeks, despite it only being confirmed on Friday that Xavi would be sacked at the end of the season.
Rumours of Xavi’s impending sacking emerged just before Barcelona’s trip to Almeria two weeks ago. The 44-year-old was completely oblivious to the situation, aside from following the news in the media. Joan Laporta opted for to speak to him on the matter, despite working on his replacement in the background.
As per Bar Canaletes, Xavi directly called Pini Zahavi, Flick’s agent and close friend of Laporta, when he became aware that the Barcelona president would not meet with him. Zahavi all-but confirmed to Xavi that he would be getting sacked.
🚨 When Laporta wouldn't meet with Xavi, the former Barça coach directly called Pini Zahavi to confirm the rumors about Flick. Zahavi replied: "Xavi, you're smart, you know the answer". @BarCanaletes
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 29, 2024
Barcelona and Laporta have been panned by supporters in the last week or so because of their treatment of Xavi, a club legend no less. The radio silence between the pair did not sit well with many onlookers, especially considering Laporta had begged Xavi to continue as manager only weeks prior.
I dont know whose cojones are smaller, laPorkas for not speaking with xavidiot directly or xavidiot for using a goddamn phone and speaking to laPorka directly LMAOOOOO
Cowards and liars, classic catala🪳mal traits PAHAHAHAHAHA
*not using