It was the spring of 2016. Barcelona had just clinched its second treble under Luis Enrique, and the celebrations were marked by the departure of legendary midfielder Xavi Hernandez, who received a farewell like no other. Fast forward eight years, and the Spaniard bid farewell to Camp Nou once again, this time in a rather contentious manner as a manager. For ex-English midfielder Terry Gibson, Xavi’s recent exit from Camp Nou bears a striking resemblance to how Lionel Messi parted ways with his childhood club, with Joan Laporta being responsible for both incidents.

“It’s very similar to what happened to Lionel Messi because Messi announced he was staying,” said Gibson while discussing the former Al-Sadd boss’ exit on talkSPORT. “They were taking their time to come up with the contract and the financial situation to resolve itself. And all of a sudden, Barcelona announced that he wouldn’t be staying. They couldn’t make him an offer and he was going to be leaving,” added the former Manchester United midfielder. 

Gibson even highlighted Gerard Pique‘s shocking exit in 2021 when Barca won the league. Pique left the club mid-season in January despite coming through the ranks of La Masia, becoming a legend, and then departing abruptly to retire halfway through the season. This seemed ‘strange’ and, with no farewell game or send-off from the crowd, was quite unsettling for Gibson. He also shed light on former manager Ronald Koeman, the Catalans’ legend, who was also ‘dragged through the mud.’

Gibson added fans back in Catalonia witnessed Xavi’s exit the same way, which is certainly a disrespect from Barcelona towards their icons. Interestingly, former Bayern boss Hansi Flick is expected to fill in for Xavi, which might prove risky for Barcelona. 

Replacing Xavi with Hansi Flick is a ‘gamble’ for Lionel Messi’s former team

Terry Gibson remarked Hansi Flick is an ‘interesting choice’ for Barcelona. Even though his CV shows he led Bayern Munich to domestic success in over 18 months, his short period with the German national team didn’t go well. “It’s a little bit of a gamble from Barcelona’s point you view to put in a manager in place who, despite being 59, is relatively inexperienced managing on his own,” he said. 

Gibson even highlighted that Flick is the only manager in the history of Die Mannschaft to get sacked while on duty. He further questioned his ability that throughout his career, he’s spent over 13 years as an assistant under Joachim Low, which makes him amateur to lead a team himself. Unfortunately, Barcelona, for its own sake, somehow is closer to appointing him. 

But the question must be asked of Joan Laporta and Co. regarding these constant exits, especially the insulting way their legends have left the club. Perhaps the desperation to regain dominance has caused Barca to make hasty decisions. Let’s hope things change for them quickly.