Sevilla manager Quique Sanchez Flores has slammed Barcelona’s treatment of “legends” such as Xavi, Ronald Koeman, and Lionel Messi.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Barcelona announced Xavi’s sacking on Friday, having previously begged him to stay in his post, in the latest U-turn of an embarrassing saga for the Catalan giants. Xavi became a legend during his time with the club, winning La Liga eight times, and the Champions League on four occasions. As a manager, he won La Liga in 2022/23, and guided the club to a second-placed finish this term.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Koeman suffered a similar fate as Xavi. Barcelona’s top scoring defender of all time, the Dutchman won the Copa del Rey and finished third in La Liga, only to be sacked at the end of the season. And Messi, of course, was allowed to leave in tearful fashion as he made his move to the United States and Inter Miami.
WHAT SANCHEZ FLORES SAID
Sanchez Flores told reporters: “I shouldn’t say this… but how badly Barcelona treats its legends. What a bad streak. It’s probably a bad streak, but what a bad streak. What a bad streak.”With Koeman, with Messi, with Xavi now, how bad. I wish clubs treated their legends well, fantastically well. That would be fantastic. That is a legacy of connection from the managers to the fans. This connects a lot. Treating legends well.”
WHAT NEXT?
Barcelona are poised to appoint ex-Germany boss Hansi Flick to replace Xavi. The announcement is expected to be made next week.
