Sacked Barcelona coach Xavi warns of challenges ahead for his successor after Sevilla win

Xavi Hernandez ended his tenure as Barcelona coach with a 2-1 victory against Sevilla, emphasizing to his successor that the job “won’t be easy.” Despite being dismissed by President Joan Laporta, Xavi’s departure comes after initially intending to resign at the end of the season. The Catalan club, finishing second in La Liga, endured a trophyless season, trailing bitter rivals Real Madrid by 10 points. German coach Hansi Flick is anticipated to succeed Xavi. Reflecting on his tenure, Xavi expressed that Barcelona faces challenges given the club’s complex nature and financial situation. Despite the adversity, Xavi’s tenure saw Barcelona’s ascent from ninth to second in the league, along with notable victories and youth player development. The match against Sevilla ended positively for Barcelona, with midfielder Fermin Lopez scoring the decisive goal and bidding farewell to Xavi with a hug. The game was marked by Sevilla fans’ protests against the board’s management, reflecting disappointment over their team’s 14th-place finish in the league.