In a surprising turn of events, Xavi Hernandez has demanded that FC Barcelona pay full compensation to his coaching staff following his abrupt departure from the club, reported by GOAL. Despite being under contract until June 2025, Xavi is set to leave the Catalan giants this Tuesday and has made a significant gesture to ensure his team is taken care of.
The Spanish coach, who returned to Barcelona with high hopes of restoring the club's former glory, has been shown the door in a move that has shocked fans and pundits alike. According to reports from AS, Xavi is prepared to forgo his remaining salary, which amounts to a substantial €12 million (£10m/$13m), in exchange for a guarantee that his staff will receive full compensation for their contracts.
Xavi's coaching team at Barcelona is composed of eight key individuals, each of whom has played a vital role in the club's operations. These members include assistants Oscar Hernandez and Sergio Alegre, physical trainer Ivan Torres, physiotherapist Carlos Nogueira, and scouts David Prats, Sergio Garcia, and Toni Lobo, all of whom have been with Xavi since his time at Al Sadd. The eighth member, communications manager Edu Polo, joined the team last summer and, like the others, has a contract with the club until 2025.
Xavi's commitment to his team
Xavi has made it clear that his decision to relinquish his salary is contingent upon the club fully settling his staff's contracts, which would cost Barcelona approximately €3 million. He believes this amount should be manageable for the club and is crucial to ensuring the financial security of his team members. This stance underscores Xavi's loyalty and commitment to his staff, highlighting the close-knit nature of his coaching unit.
The abrupt dismissal of Xavi and his staff comes as a shock, particularly given the board's previous support just a month ago. This sudden change in direction indicates potential instability within the club's leadership. Xavi's insistence on full compensation for his staff is a testament to his character and his dedication to those who have worked alongside him.
What's next for FC Barcelona
With Xavi's departure imminent, Barcelona is set to enter a new era under the guidance of German coach Hansi Flick. The club is expected to confirm Flick’s appointment for the next two seasons once Xavi’s exit is finalized. Flick, who has a successful track record, including a historic treble with Bayern Munich, will face the daunting task of steering Barcelona back to the top of European football.
Xavi Hernandez's demand for full compensation for his staff amidst his shocking exit from Barcelona highlights his unwavering loyalty to his team. Despite the abrupt end to his tenure, Xavi’s actions show his commitment to ensuring the well-being of his staff, even at personal financial cost. As Barcelona prepares to transition to a new era under Hansi Flick, the club must address the underlying issues that led to this surprising managerial change. The coming months will be crucial for Barcelona as they navigate this period of significant upheaval and look to rebuild under new leadership.