Aoba Tanaka 
Xavi tenure as the head coach of Barcelona concluded on a high note with a 2-1 victory over Sevilla in the final La Liga match of the season. The win was marked by a dramatic late goal from Fermin Lopez, who ran to celebrate with the departing coach, adding an emotional touch to the match.
Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring early for Barcelona, putting them in the lead before Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri equalized. Despite the competitive match, Barcelona had already secured second place in La Liga, behind champions Real Madrid, while Sevilla finished their season in 14th place.
Xavi, a legendary figure at Barcelona both as a player and a coach, announced in January his intention to leave the Nou Camp. However, he was convinced to stay by club president Joan Laporta in April. In a surprising turn of events, Xavi was informed during a meeting with Laporta and sporting director Deco on Friday that his time at the club was over, exactly one month after the announcement that he would remain.
Reflecting on his time as manager, Xavi expressed mixed feelings. “I don’t think the work has been appreciated enough,” he said after Sunday’s game. “A double last year [La Liga and Super Cup], and this year we haven’t been up to the task because of details. I leave with some mixed feelings because the work is positive even though we didn’t win the titles this season. I think we were on the right track and I still think so.”
Xavi, who won four Champions Leagues and numerous other titles as a player with Barcelona, managed to guide the team to their first La Liga title in five seasons last year. His contributions to the club, both on and off the pitch, have left a lasting impact.
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen also shared his thoughts on Xavi’s departure. “Xavi has always given us a lot,” Ter Stegen said. “He worked every day so that we could succeed. On a personal level, he’s been a friend for many years and it’s never easy to let him go.”
With Xavi’s departure, former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick is set to take over the reins. Flick’s appointment marks a new chapter for Barcelona as they look to build on the foundation laid by Xavi and aim for future successes.
Xavi’s final game as Barcelona’s head coach was not just a win on the scoreboard but also a testament to his enduring legacy at the club. As he leaves, both fans and players alike are left with a sense of gratitude for his unwavering dedication and contributions to Barcelona.
#sportznews #newssportz #footballnews #football #news #barcelona #xavi
