Barcelona SACK manager Xavi, just a month after he reversed his decision to quit at the end of the season - paving the way for Hansi Flick to take over the reins

Xavi has been sacked by Barcelona, bringing an end to a sensational run of events at the Catalan club.

The former midfielder had made his intention to resign from his role clear earlier on in the season, before performing a dramatic U-turn and deciding to stay on.

'I'm full of energy and desire.' he had said in April after deciding to remain in charge. 'We are analysing what has happened to us this year in order to improve next season. We're looking forward to getting second place. I'm looking forward to it.'

Now, however, he has been let go by club president Joan Laporta, according to Marca, following a meeting with the 62-year-old after he had publicly criticised the club's financial position.

His words angered Laporta, and he has now sacked the 44-year-old, with former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick set to take over.

Xavi stated at the time: 'The Cule must understand that the situation is very complicated to compete economically.

'It has nothing to do with what we had 25 years ago when the coach would come and say 'I want this one, this one, and this one'. It doesn't work like that anymore.

'I understand that and that's how we're going to adjust to it. That doesn't mean we're not going to compete. We need stability and time. There are good things to compete for. The situation we are in is the situation we are in in terms of results.

'Last year we were solvent without playing the football we would like to play and this year, we have played better, but with worse results,' he added.

Xavi later attempted to clarify his earlier comments, adding: 'I said what I think, the economic situation is not the best and we are all working very well to improve the situation. We will fight to get titles, nothing changes.'

Xavi guided Barca to a first LaLiga title of his tenure last season but have struggled to replicate their domestic success this year as Real Madrid race ahead at the top of the table.

The club's difficult financial situation has put pressure on new signings to perform and a difficult run of form at the turn of the year convinced Xavi he wanted to leave Barcelona.

More to follow.