Carlo Ancelotti explains why Barcelona sacking was 'good for Xavi'

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti claimed Xavi will understand that being sacked is 'part of a coach's job' following his dismissal from Barcelona.

Xavi revealed back in January he intended to leave his position as Barca's head coach at the end of the 2023/24 season. However, following an upturn in form, he changed his mind during the final few weeks of the campaign, only for Barcelona to relieve of him of his duties anyway. Hansi Flick was named as Xavi's successor on Wednesday.

In an interview with El Chiringuito on the eve of Madrid's Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, Ancelotti was asked what he thought of Barca sacking Xavi.

"It's part of a coach's job," Ancelotti said. "I think Xavi is a little bothered by what he has done, because I think it is the first time that he has been dismissed, but over time I think he will understand it as part of the job.

"When there is not a good relationship between the club and the coach, the best thing is to separate. It has happened to me many times, it happened to me at Napoli, at Bayern Munich, at Chelsea...it is better to separate and I think it is good for Xavi and it may also be good for Barcelona."

Xavi leaves Barcelona having returned to the club in November 2021 sitting ninth in La Liga. He managed to secure a second-place finish that season before winning La Liga the following year.

During the 2023/24 season away from their spiritual Camp Nou home, Barca again managed to secure a top-two finish, though this time surrendered their title to Ancelotti's Madrid. Barca also ended the campaign without any silverware to show for their efforts.

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