I sacked Xavi because he was complacent

By John Ogunsemore

Barcelona presidential candidate, Joan Laporta has hit back at former legendary midfielder and manager, Xavi Hernandez.

In an interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi heavily criticised the club’s former president, blaming him for Lionel Messi’s failed return in 2023 and accusing him of allowing his close aide, Alejandro Echevarria, run things at the club.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Laporta responded to Xavi’s criticism during an electoral debate ahead of the club’s March 15 presidential election.

He said he was “surprised and hurt” by the ex-manager’s remarks, stating that he had to make difficult decisions for Barcelona’s future.

Laporta noted that he did not regret parting ways with Xavi and appointing Hansi Flick as his replacement.

The club sacked Xavi on May 24, 2024 and appointed Flick five days later.

“I was surprised and hurt. When I see these statements from Xavi, I think of Flick. It’s hard to be president of Barça and you have to make difficult decisions. I did what I had to do,” Laporta said.

He added, “With Xavi, I saw that we were going to lose, and with Flick, I see that we are going to win. I understand that he is hurt. With the same players, Xavi was losing, and Flick is winning.”

He emphasised that sacking Xavi was not personal.

“These are the three hardest decisions I’ve ever made. Messi, Koeman and Xavi. I did it with Barça’s interests at heart. I had two of them as players and these are decisions you have to make. They are legends of Barça.

“Barça cannot be run with a computer, it’s about feeling. Barça is above players and presidents,” he said.

He emphasised that he made the difficult decision to fire Xavi because the manager had become complacent.

“Xavi explains in the interview the reasons why I fired him. He became complacent and couldn’t balance his professional and personal life.

“He said that Barça wouldn’t be competitive with Real Madrid. He asked to change players, and I told him he couldn’t continue. Important players that he didn’t see as competitive. Xavi was dissatisfied with the squad and the referees.

“He said the squad wasn’t competitive. It was a recurring theme.”

On Messi’s failed return, the ex-club president said the player’s father and manager, Jorge Messi was sent a contract but claimed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner would be under pressure if he returned.

Laporta urged Xavi not to allow himself be used by his opponent in the presidential election, Victor Font.