Chelsea handed chance to appoint 'best manager in the world' after surprise decision announced

Barcelona have sacked Xavi after three years in charge, making him the latest high-profile manager to leave their job this summer.

The former midfielder was initially planning to resign at the end of the season but was persuaded to stay by club president Joan Laporta in April, but the club have since made a u-turn on his future. Xavi was contracted with the La Liga giants until 2025 but will now leave after the club's final game of the campaign on Sunday against Sevilla.

Xavi's departure from the Catalan club comes just days after Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent. The Blues are looking for their third permanent manager in two years after previous appointments Graham Potter and Pochettino left Stamford Bridge.

football.london understands Kieran McKenna, Enzo Maresca and Sebastian Hoeness are on the club's shortlist to become their new head coach. And they now have another potential option with Xavi soon to be available.

It was not long ago that Laporta labelled their legendary former player-turned-manager as the world's best. "Xavi is someone who really understands the club well... we have the best manager in the world," he said back in December 2022.

But Barcelona have clearly changed their mind with recent comments from Xavi, in which he opened up about the club's financial struggles, said to have angered Laporta.

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"Today Friday, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernández that he will not be continuing as first team coach in the 2024-25 season," a statement said on the club's website.

"The meeting happened at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and was also attended by sporting vice-president Rafa Yuste, director of sport Anderson Luís de Souza, Deco, Xavi, Òscar Hernández and Sergio Alegre. FC Barcelona wishes to thank Xavi for his work as coach, as well as for his inimitable career as a player and as team captain, and wishes him every future success in the world.

They added: "During the course of the next few days, FC Barcelona will be making an announcement regarding the new first team structure."