Football

Xavi Hernandez, the legendary Barcelona midfielder, is reportedly in high demand following his departure from the Catalan club. Despite guiding Barcelona to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals and a second-place finish in La Liga, Xavi's tenure was marked by disagreements with the club's hierarchy.According to journalist Pedro Almeida, Chelsea are set to initiate talks with Xavi to assess his potential as their next manager. The Blues parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino after a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Premier League.Xavi's departure from Barcelona was a surprise, as he had initially announced his intention to leave at the end of the season but later reversed his decision. However, his recent comments about the club's financial struggles and his belief that Barcelona would struggle against European giants next season reportedly irked club president Joan Laporta and other members.During his two-and-a-half-year tenure, Xavi compiled an impressive record of 90 wins, 23 draws, and 29 defeats in 142 games. He also led Barcelona to the La Liga title in his first full season.However, Xavi expressed disappointment at the end of the season, feeling that his work was not sufficiently appreciated. "I have the feeling that everything I have done in these two and a half years has caused an earthquake. I have been targeted many times in many situations," he said."I think that the work has not been sufficiently appreciated. This year we haven't been up to the task because of details. We had four key games in which we couldn't finish the good work we had done," he added.Chelsea are reportedly considering Xavi as one of several potential candidates to replace Pochettino. Other managers linked with the Blues include Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna, and Enzo Maresca.

Xavi Hernandez's tenure as Barcelona coach came to an end with a bittersweet 2-1 victory at Sevilla on Sunday, marking the conclusion of the La Liga season. Despite finishing second, the Catalans ended the campaign trophyless, but they managed to secure a triumph in Xavi's final match before his departure.Xavi's departure was announced by club president Joan Laporta on Friday, just weeks after Barcelona had declared that he would remain for the following season. The coach had previously stated in January that he intended to resign in the summer.Appointed in November 2021, Xavi led Barcelona to the Spanish title last season. However, this year, his team finished 10 points behind bitter rivals and champions Real Madrid. German coach Hansi Flick is expected to be named as Xavi's successor next week.Xavi acknowledged the challenges that await his replacement. "They should be aware that they are entering a difficult situation because Barca is a demanding club, and there is also an unfavorable financial situation – it will not be easy at all," he told DAZN."I believe that the work we have done has not been sufficiently valued given the difficult circumstances we inherited. When we arrived, Barca was ninth in the table, and we finished second... (then) we won a double, and this year we fell short due to four crucial games."Barcelona suffered defeats in both matches against Real Madrid in La Liga, as well as against third-place neighbors Girona and Villarreal. They ended on a positive note, however, with a victory at Sevilla's Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium.Robert Lewandowski gave Barcelona an early lead, but Youssef En-Nesyri equalized for Sevilla, whose coach Quique Sanchez Flores is also leaving at the end of the season.One of Xavi's accomplishments during his tenure has been the promotion of young players, including starlets Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, as well as midfielder Fermin Lopez. The 21-year-old put Barcelona back in front in the second half with a low strike from outside the area. Lopez celebrated his goal by embracing Xavi."As a professional, he has given us so much; he worked tirelessly every day for our success," Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen told DAZN. "We are extremely grateful for his time here. We wish him the best – on a personal level, he has been a friend for many years, and it is never easy to see him go."Before the game, some Sevilla fans protested against the board, wearing black and entering the game 10 minutes late, following another disappointing campaign in which the Andalusians finished 14th.

Barcelona has parted ways with coach Xavi Hernandez after a disappointing season that saw the Catalan giants fail to win a single trophy. Xavi will oversee the team's final La Liga match on Sunday at Sevilla before departing.The decision to sack Xavi was made by Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who informed the coach that he would not continue in his role for the 2024-25 season. Former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Hansi Flick is the frontrunner to replace Xavi.Xavi's departure marks a swift reversal from his earlier commitment to stay with Barcelona for the next campaign. In April, he and Laporta agreed to extend his contract, which was set to expire in June 2025. However, the situation changed abruptly after Xavi's comments suggesting that Barcelona's financial struggles made it difficult to compete with elite European clubs.Barcelona expressed gratitude for Xavi's contributions as coach, acknowledging his legendary status as a player and captain. The club wished him well in his future endeavors and announced that the new coaching structure for the first team staff would be revealed soon.Despite winning La Liga last season, Barcelona failed to defend their title this campaign. They were eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Paris Saint-Germain, suffered a humiliating defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, and lost to Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey.Xavi's departure leaves Barcelona facing a crucial period of transition. The club must now find a suitable replacement who can restore their competitiveness and guide them back to trophy-winning ways.

Barcelona's young midfielder Fermin Lopez emerged as the hero on Thursday, scoring a brace to secure a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Almeria in La Liga. The 21-year-old's goals propelled him to 10 for the season, a remarkable achievement in his breakthrough campaign.Despite Barcelona's struggles throughout the match, Lopez's timely interventions proved decisive. In the 14th minute, he capitalized on Hector Fort's cross to head home the opening goal. Almeria's Leo Baptistao squandered a golden opportunity to equalize, firing wide when well-positioned.Barcelona's dominance continued in the second half, with Lamine Yamal and Sergi Roberto threatening Almeria's defense. Lopez sealed the victory in the 67th minute, finishing off Roberto's cut-back with aplomb.The win keeps Barcelona in contention for second place, four points ahead of Girona. However, the Catalans' performance against the already-relegated Almeria was far from convincing.Prior to the match, Spanish media reported that Barcelona president Joan Laporta had skipped the trip to Almeria due to his dissatisfaction with coach Xavi Hernandez's pre-match comments. Xavi had highlighted the club's financial difficulties in comparison to Real Madrid's strength.Despite the off-field distractions, Barcelona managed to secure the three points. Lopez's goalscoring exploits have been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Catalans.

Robert Lewandowski's second-half hat-trick propelled Barcelona to a thrilling 4-2 victory over 10-man Valencia in La Liga on Monday. The win keeps Barcelona's title hopes alive, denying Real Madrid the chance to clinch the crown with a win over Cadiz next Saturday.Despite the threat of rain and a Monday night slot, 30,000 fans witnessed an entertaining clash at the Olympic Stadium. Valencia took the lead through Fermin Lopez, but Hugo Duro and Pepelu's penalty turned the game in their favor.However, Barcelona's fortunes changed when Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was sent off for handball late in the first half. Lewandowski equalized soon after the break, and his late brace sealed the victory for the Catalans.Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez praised his team's attitude despite their early struggles. "We lacked calmness, but I'm satisfied with the team's attitude," he said.Valencia, who are eighth in the standings, created early chances but failed to capitalize. Barcelona took the lead through Lopez's header, but Valencia responded quickly after Marc-Andre ter Stegen's error allowed Duro to score.Araujo's penalty concession made matters worse for Barcelona, but Mamardashvili's dismissal proved to be a turning point. Lewandowski's header and close-range finish put Barcelona back in front, and his free-kick in stoppage time sealed the win."We can always score three or four goals if we lose one or two," said Lewandowski. "It's easier for everyone if we score a lot of goals."Barcelona's victory moves them two points ahead of Girona, who they face next Saturday. A Girona win could hand Madrid the title, but Xavi is confident his team can put up a fight. "It will be a great game, two teams looking to go on the attack," he said.

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez believes that a victory in the upcoming El Clasico is crucial for his team's hopes of challenging Real Madrid for the La Liga title. The Catalan giants trail their arch-rivals by eight points with just seven games remaining in the season.Real Madrid have been in impressive form this season, winning 24 of their 31 league matches and reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Barcelona, on the other hand, have struggled to keep pace, losing their second leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals.Xavi is aware of the importance of the El Clasico and knows that a win would give his team a much-needed boost in their title bid. "We have to win the Clasico," Xavi said. "It's the only way we can stay in the title race."Real Madrid will be looking to extend their winning streak to five matches in La Liga when they host Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. The hosts have not lost in their last 16 league games and will be confident of maintaining their dominance over their rivals.Barcelona, however, have a strong record at the Bernabeu, having won 17 of their last 38 meetings there. They will also be buoyed by the return of Robert Lewandowski, who has scored 13 goals in La Liga this season.The El Clasico is one of the most eagerly anticipated matches in world football and is sure to be a thrilling encounter. Barcelona will be desperate to win to keep their title hopes alive, while Real Madrid will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has declared that his team is entering a "moment of truth" as they prepare for crucial matches in La Liga and the Champions League. The Catalan giants have enjoyed a resurgence in form, winning six consecutive matches in all competitions.Xavi's comments come after a turbulent period for Barcelona, who were written off as title contenders following a string of poor results in January. However, the team has since turned things around, with Xavi crediting the players' improved performances and positive mindset."We are much better than a few matches ago," Xavi said. "We have good feelings and this is the moment of truth. To measure ourselves against direct rivals as the Champions League approaches, this is the decisive moment."Barcelona currently trail league leaders Real Madrid by eight points, but have a game in hand. A victory at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday would be a significant step towards closing the gap. Athletic Bilbao, who are undefeated at home this season, will provide a stern test for Xavi's side."If we win, it'll be a big step forward," Xavi said. "We need to find the continuity in our game which we are lacking."Xavi also addressed speculation about his future, stating that his focus remains on the present. "Today nothing has changed, it's not an issue," he said.Barcelona's resurgence has been built on a solid defensive foundation and a more attacking approach in midfield. Pedri and Gavi have been instrumental in the team's recent success, providing creativity and energy in the center of the park.Robert Lewandowski continues to be a potent threat in front of goal, having scored 25 goals in all competitions this season. The Polish striker will be looking to add to his tally against Athletic Bilbao.With the Champions League knockout stages approaching, Barcelona will be eager to maintain their momentum. They will host Napoli in the second leg of their last-16 tie on March 15, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake.