Xavi’s Departure: Navigating Coaching Changes Across FC Barcelona Teams

Xavi’s announcement has sent shockwaves through the club in the midst of the season. The coach who arrived to inherit the legacies of Cruyff and Guardiola will leave in June without completing his contract. The situation is particularly complex because the club and the Barcelona fanbase placed their hopes in Xavi as the great savior. As the one who best translated Guardiola’s ideas onto the field, handing him the reins was Laporta’s significant attempt to recapture the essence of Barcelona’s greatest era. No one foresaw such an ending when he took charge amid the team’s crisis.

The club is now actively seeking a replacement from June onward. However, the first-team football is not the only managerial position under consideration at Barcelona. Another notable case is that of the women’s team after Giráldez’s announcement that she will not continue. As of now, nothing is finalized, but the club is leaning, barring an unexpected turn, toward a more continuity-oriented option. The final ‘casting’ was between two names: Rafel Navarro and Pere Romeu.

Grimau, a Key Figure in Barcelona’s Reconstruction: Roger Grimau is one of the coaches being considered to continue leading the team next season. The coach has sparked a revival in the team after a challenging December, aligning with the club’s vision in a Barcelona under reconstruction, especially after Saras’ departure.

In another realm where no changes are anticipated is in handball, where Antonio Carlos Ortega has a contract until 2026. Last October, the Malaga native extended his association with Barcelona until June 2026, with an option for an additional season based on performance.

Two Puzzles: Less clear are the situations of Jesús Velasco and Edu Castro. The futsal team’s coach’s contract ends in June, and he has a significant offer to lead the national team. Speculation from Madrid suggests he will likely accept the offer, indicating a probable departure. The manager, Jordi Torras, intended to renew the coach, but signs point to an exit.

Another case awaiting resolution is that of Edu Castro. The coach of the roller hockey team sees his contract concluding in June and has a substantial proposal from Benfica. Serving as the head coach since 2017, he has accumulated over 15 seasons as a coach in the club.