Barcelona have fired Xavi, but according to the club legend, his successor will struggle to survive the role.
Xavi has warned his successor to be prepared to “suffer” in the Barcelona job.
The former Spain midfielder was informed last week he was to be sacked, having previously performed a U-turn saying he wanted to stay on after announcing his intention to leave this year. The former Germany and Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick is expected to take over.
🔵🔴 Xavi: “I would like to tell the new coach that he will suffer and that he should be patient, it’s a very complicated position”.
“To the new manager, I tell you: you will suffer,” Xavi said after his final match in charge, a 2-1 win against Sevilla. “This is a very complicated place to be. This is a difficult job and you have to be patient.”
Xavi does not have another job lined up and is prepared to wait for the right offer. “Nothing is closed. I’m a professional, let’s see what happens in the future,” he said. “Of course, I’m open [to a new job], but I think 100% I need to rest a little bit.
“It’s so difficult to coach Barcelona. It’s been tough last week, but I have my conscience very clear. I’m proud and happy. When we got here we knew it was a difficult time for the club and I think we can be proud of the work we have done.”
Barcelona finished 10 points behind Real Madrid, and with their financial situation worsening, it is hard to see them bridging the gap soon. Kylian Mbappe’s potential arrival in Spain makes matters even more complicated for the Blaugrana. Hansi Flick will have his work cut out as he steps into the unknown.
