Barcelona's Victory, Xavi's Bitter Farewell Gift

Xavi revealed what could be a stumbling block for Hansi Flick when coaching Barcelona.

AFP/JORGE GUERRERO

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez gives instructions to his players in the Spanish League match between Sevilla and Barcelona at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, Sevilla, on Monday (27/5/2024) early morning WIB. The match marked Xavi's final game as Barcelona coach.

SEVILLA, MONDAY — Xavi Hernandez closed his service as Coach of Barcelona by presenting a 2-1 victory over hosts Sevilla at the Ramon Sanzhez Stadium, Pizjuan, Monday (27/5/2024) early morning WIB. Farewell should be sweet when you achieve victory. On the contrary, it felt bitter for Xavi. Apart from that, he also gave a warning to Hansi Flick who would be announced as the new coach.

Barca's winning goals were scored by Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez. Meanwhile, Sevilla equalized through Youssef En-Nesyri.

I don't think that work is appreciated enough. This year we have not completed the task because of the details.

The victory in the last match should have made Xavi happy to lead Barca. However, the positive result against Sevilla still couldn't change his mood. Bringing Barca to finish in second place in the league and securing a spot in the Spanish Super Cup is not something to be overly proud of.

Also read: The End of Xavi's Story with Barcelona

AFP/JORGE GUERRERO

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez looks down during the Spanish League match between Sevilla and Barcelona at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, Sevilla, early Monday morning (27/5/2024) Western Indonesian Time. The match was Xavi's last game as Barcelona's coach.

However, instead of celebrating, Xavi expressed all of his disappointment after being fired from Barca. Xavi's disappointment emerged because he felt that his achievements during the last three seasons were not appreciated by the club.

Xavi replaces Ronald Koeman who was fired in 2021. He ended Barca's Spanish League title thirst since 2019 when they became champions last season. During his 2.5 years in charge of Barca, Xavi has played 142 matches with 90 wins, 23 draws and 29 losses.

Another significant contribution from Xavi is his bravery in promoting young players. During his time as Barca's coach, Xavi gave opportunities to young players, such as Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, and Lopez. Thanks to Xavi's courage, Barca now has a clear picture of the players who will become the backbone of the team in the future.

Also read:Xavi, the carrier of "Barca DNA" can't stand it anymore

"I think that job hasn't been appreciated enough. This year, we haven't completed the task yet because of its details. We have four important matches where we can't finish the good work we've done," said Xavi.

AFP/JORGE GUERRERO

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez vies for the ball with Sevilla defender Juanlu during a Spanish League match between Sevilla and Barcelona at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville on Monday (27/5/2024) early morning. Barcelona defeated Sevilla, 2-1.

Based on that experience, Xavi believes that Hansi Flick will face many obstacles when starting to coach next season. Obstacles may arise from Barca's financial situation, which has not fully recovered.

Comments related to finances are what caused club leaders, including President Joan Laporta and Director of Sports Deco, to be angry with Xavi. In a press conference ahead of their match against Almeria, Xavi revealed that his team will have difficulty competing with European giants next season due to Barcelona's difficult financial situation. However, these two senior figures at Barca previously wanted Xavi to stay, after he had announced his intention to resign at the end of the season.

Also read: The Puzzle of Xavi Hernandez's Future at Barcelona

"This will not be easy at all. They (Flick) will suffer and they need patience because this is a very difficult job. The only thing that can save them is victory, whether they have been part of the club before or not," said Xavi.

According to the plan, Flick will be introduced as Barcelona's new coach in the upcoming days. Expert transfer journalist, Fabrizio Romano, revealed that Flick was contracted by Barca for two seasons until 2026. Both parties have agreed to all the terms. Flick is reportedly bringing along two assistants from Germany.

AP/FERMIN RODRIGUEZ

The reaction of Barcelona attacker Joao Felix in the Spanish League match between Sevilla and Barcelona at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, Sevilla, on Monday, May 27th, 2024 in the early hours of the morning. The match ended with Barcelona's victory, 2-1.

As for Xavi, after not coaching Barca, he said he is open to future opportunities. He did not disclose whether any clubs are interested in using his services. Xavi's focus in the near future is to rest with his family. (AFP/REUTERS)