Barcelona

Barcelona 'sacked Xavi due to stance over Robert Lewandowski future'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 29 May 2024

Barcelona 'sacked Xavi due to stance over Lewandowski future'

Xavi's stance over the future of Robert Lewandowski reportedly played its part in Barcelona choosing to remove him from the dugout.

Barcelona reportedly moved to replace head coach Xavi due to an issue regarding Robert Lewandowski.

There has been a chaotic feel to Barcelona's situation in the dugout since January, initiated by Xavi announcing his intention to resign from his position at the end of the season.

Although club officials worked to convince the former midfielder to reverse his decision by April, Barcelona then chose to sack Xavi earlier this month.

That was officially confirmed on Wednesday as the Catalan giants announced that Hansi Flick had been appointed as his successor.

In an article posted on the club's website, Barcelona talked up Flick's previous work with Lewandowski, a legendary figure at their former team Bayern Munich.

A report has now emerged that Xavi's stance over the future of the veteran frontman contributed to his exit from Camp Nou.

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring their third goal on April 29, 2024 © Reuters

Xavi wanted change in Barcelona attack

According to Sport, Xavi was of the opinion that Barcelona could improve as a team if they used a younger, more mobile striker in the final third.

That was desired by Xavi in order to deploy the first press on an opposition's defence, something that could not necessarily be undertaken by a player who turns 36 years of age in August.

Xavi is said to be of the opinion that, with 59 goals and 17 assists from his two seasons at the club, Lewandowski has now peaked.

Meanwhile, it is further claimed that Xavi wanted Lewandowski to be more considerate to youthful members of the squad who are still finding their way at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Barcelona have half-a-dozen players that are 19 or younger in the senior ranks, although it is acknowledged there is an understanding of why Lewandowski is as demanding as he is.

FC Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring their second goal on March 17, 2024 © Reuters

Lewandowski to stay at Barcelona

Despite speculation regarding his future, Lewandowski is now guaranteed to remain at Barcelona, where he still has two years remaining on his contract.

Lewandowski has also previously stated that he and his family are settled in the city and had no desire to move elsewhere.

Barcelona officials must decide how to handle their other attackers, with 19-year-old Vitor Roque barely featuring under Xavi during the closing three months of the season.