Laporta thanks Xavi for all he’s done for Barcelona – doesn’t seem to regret sacking him though

“I would like to say thank you to Xavi. He took the team at a very difficult time,” Joan Laporta said, addressing the Barcelona senate.

“I want to thank him for his professionalism, for winning a historic league and a Super Cup. I also want to thank him for the youth – now we have a whole bunch of talents who will win many trophies in the future.

“But we made the right decision [to part ways], because we needed a new impetus and we opted for a new valuable, responsible coach,” the president concluded.

Now, with Hansi Flick taking over, let’s see how far the team can go.

The German signed a 1+1 deal at Camp Nou, with the second year dependent on the team’s results.