Xavi sends ominous warning to next Barcelona manager after final game

Xavi has warned the next Barcelona manager that they must be prepared to ‘suffer’ during their time at Camp Nou.

The former midfielder oversaw his final game in charge of the team on Sunday, a 2-1 win over Sevilla, and now leaves the club just over a month after club president Joan Laporta managed to convince him to walk back on his decision to step down.

News of Xavi’s exit brought a shocking ending to his tenure and, with his final game now done, the 44-year-old did not hold back in his assessment of the challenges facing his replacement.

“They should know that they’ve got a difficult situation, because Barca is a difficult club and there’s an adverse financial situation too – it won’t be easy at all,” he told DAZN.

Xavi added: “He will suffer. This is a very complicated place to be.”

Xavi is expected to be replaced by former Germany manager Hansi Flick, who is believed to have agreed the terms of a two-year contract with the Catalan giants.

Flick is expected to take over from Xavi / ANP/GettyImages

The outgoing boss went on to admit he wanted to remain at Barcelona and once again encouraged those behind the decision to dismiss him to come forward and explain their reasoning.

“We didn’t want this to end, but these are decisions made by the club,” Xavi continued. “We didn’t win titles but we were on the right track. But football is like this, the directors will make their decisions. The response by the players was wonderful.

“Those who made the decision need to explain it.”

Now out of work, Xavi confirmed he plans to take a break but admitted he was ‘open’ when it comes to his next move.