From Lionel Messi to Xavi, Barcelona have thrown their legends to the lions

Barcelona have announced Hansi Flick as their new coach and thoughts have already turned to next season under the German — but we shouldn’t forget how badly they treated his predecessor Xavi.

On May 19, the same day Jurgen Klopp bid an emotional farewell to Liverpool with a 2-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield, Barca denied Xavi a proper send-off.

It was the Blaugrana’s last game of the season at their temporary home, Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, and the legendary former midfielder knew nothing of his future, despite local media being full of reports that president Joan Laporta had decided to terminate his contract.

Six days later, the club confirmed that decision — less than a month after Xavi, Laporta and sporting director Deco had posed for a picture in a press conference announcing he was staying.