Laporta Unveils Turbulent Timeline Behind Xavi’s Departure at Barcelona

Key Takeaways:

• Barcelona president Joan Laporta provided a comprehensive account of Xavi Hernandez’ dismissal last year
• Xavi initially announced intentions to leave in January 2024, but reversed his decision weeks later
• Laporta ultimately dismissed Xavi on 24 May 2024 following ongoing disagreements and internal uncertainty

A Tumultuous Season On and Off the Pitch

In a candid revelation to Esport3, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has elaborated on the complex series of events that led to Xavi Hernandez’ departure from the club in 2024. Spanning from January to May, the managerial upheaval was marked by a succession of twists and misaligned expectations, making it one of the most contentious chapters in recent Barcelona history.

🇪🇸🗣️ Joan Laporta: "Xavi leaving Barça in 2024? Xavi had announced his departure himself, saying he would leave at the end of the season."

"Then he asked to meet me at my home to explain that, in reality, he wanted to continue and felt the need to."

"I asked him only one… pic.twitter.com/SrkU2oI7LV

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) November 23, 2025

Reversal and Strained Confidence

The uncertainty began when Xavi publicly stated his intention to exit at the end of the season, only to later retract his decision. Laporta recounted how Xavi requested a private meeting at Laporta’s residence, seeking to clarify his wish to remain and expressing unwavering belief in the squad’s potential. Laporta recalled, “Xavi had announced his departure himself, saying he would leave at the end of the season. Then he asked to meet me at my home to explain that, in reality, he wanted to continue and felt the need to. I asked him only one question – ‘Xavi, do you believe in the team?’ He replied: ‘I believe 100% and I’ll make these players champions.’”

Press Conference Contradictions and Internal Friction

The situation quickly deteriorated when, less than a week later, Xavi made public comments suggesting both he and the squad might require a two-year timeline to regain competitiveness. Laporta expressed his confusion at these remarks, stating, “A week later, I heard him say in a press conference that he and the team would need two years to be competitive. I thought: ‘What is this?’” This apparent contradiction only served to compound the instability within the club hierarchy.

Squad Restructuring Proposals Escalate Doubt

Tensions mounted as Xavi subsequently approached sporting director Deco to propose changes to a number of first-team players, further prompting Laporta to reconsider the head coach’s position. As Laporta reflected, “He later spoke with Deco about the possibility of changing several first-team players. As you know, I have a lot of respect for Xavi, and his words affected me deeply. We’ve had to make tough decisions before with Messi, Alba, Busquets, Pique, even with Xavi and Koeman… but at Barça, the institution always comes first. It is above the players, the presidents, and the coaches,” he concluded.

Xavi’s Exit Date and the Club’s Forward Focus

Despite attempts to restore stability, the ongoing discord culminated in Laporta’s decision to relieve Xavi of his role on 24 May 2024. The episode underscores the immense pressures and complexities inherent in leadership at one of football’s most scrutinised clubs.