Xavi wanted to axe four huge Barcelona stars ahead of major summer overhaul before he was sacked

Xavi’s Departure from Barcelona: The Internal Struggles and Future Challenges

Xavi wanted to get rid of four high-profile Barcelona stars before it was confirmed he would be leaving the club, it has been claimed.

The 44-year-old managed his final game as Barcelona’s boss on Sunday night, concluding a two-and-a-half-year tenure. One of the club’s greatest ever players, Xavi secured one La Liga title and maintained a 62 percent win ratio. He ended his spell with a 2-1 victory over Sevilla, with goals from Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez.

Xavi had announced his intention to depart back in January, citing burnout, but reversed his decision in April. Despite this, remarks about Barca’s financial issues led the club’s top brass to decide on his departure following a Friday meeting with President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco.

According to a report from ESPN, Xavi’s views clashed with Laporta’s regarding summer transfer plans. Xavi did not want loanees Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo to stay, and he did not see Lewandowski or Vitor Roque in his future plans for the team.

Former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick is expected to replace Xavi in the coming days. However, Xavi has issued a warning to his successor about the challenging environment he will face.

“They have to know it is a difficult situation, because Barcelona is a difficult club, but also because of the adverse financial situation, above all [LaLiga’s] financial fair play rules,” Xavi advised. “It won’t be easy at all.

They will suffer and they will need patience because it’s a really difficult job. The only thing that can save them is winning, whether they have been part of the club or not [previously]. I have been looked at through a magnifying glass and a certain level of expectations were generated, because I was part of Barça’s best-ever era, which has played against me.”

Xavi’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Barcelona, as the club navigates its financial constraints and seeks to rebuild under new leadership.