Barcelona parts ways with Xavi one month after coach's reversed decision

First, he wanted out. Then he wanted to stay. Finally, Barcelona decided enough is enough and parted ways with coach Xavi Hernandez.

One month after Xavi said he would continue as coach despite a disappointing season, the club told the former midfield great it did not want him back.

In the latest and most likely final twist to a bumpy season, Barcelona announced on Friday that it was making a coaching change for next season.

The club made the announcement after a meeting between club president Joan Laporta, Xavi and other senior figures at the team training ground. Laporta "informed Xavi Hernández that he will not be continuing as first team coach in the 2024-25 season," the club said.

Xavi led Barcelona to the Spanish league title last season, but his team has struggled this campaign, which will finish without a title and a distant second to champion Real Madrid.

Xavi said in January he wanted to leave the club this summer and not complete the last year of his contract. In April, the 44-year-old Xavi changed his mind after his players showed him they believed in the team’s potential and improved their performances.

During the interlude when it seemed Xavi was the one who wanted out, Barcelona sports director Deco said the club was not looking for a new coach. And when Xavi said he was going to stay, an emotional Laporta gave a news conference with his coach to tell Barcelona fans they must be "proud" to have Xavi in charge.

But Laporta was reportedly displeased by Xavi’s recent comments that Barcelona’s poor financial situation would make it nearly impossible to compete against Real Madrid and Europe’s other top clubs.

After the rumors started in local media that Laporta was considering firing the former midfielder,