Xavi gives brutally honest answer when asked about Barcelona successor Hansi Flick

Outgoing Barcelona head coach Xavi has issued a brutal warning to his expected successor Hansi Flick about what to expect at the club.

Barca legend Xavi was sacked last week just a month after he reversed his January decision to step down due to exhaustion.

Last month club president Joan Laporta persuaded the 44-year-old to see out the remaining year of his contract, but now the Catalan giants have decided to pull the plug.

Club bosses were reportedly angered by Xavi's comments about Barcelona's economic struggles and inability to compete with Real Madrid following the latter's La Liga title win.

Xavi took charge in 2021 and was relieved of his duties on Friday during a meeting with Laporta and Barca sporting director and former teammate Deco.

The former Barca captain is set to be replaced by Hansi Flick, with the former Bayern Munich and Germany boss expected to sign a two-year contract on Tuesday.

If what Xavi said during a press conference following his side's 2-1 defeat of Sevilla on Sunday is anything to go by, then the German coach might struggle at the Camp Nou.

"He will suffer, this is a very complicated place to be," Xavi said when asked to comment on his likely successor.

The Catalan didn't rule out a return to management - even at Barcelona - but hinted that his time at Barca has left him exhausted and needing a reset.

"Nothing is closed. I'm a professional, let's see what happens in the future," Xavi said.

"Of course I'm open [to a new job], but I think 100 per cent I need to rest a little bit. It's so difficult to coach Barcelona. I need to rest and I need to be with my family."

Regardless of how things have turned out, Xavi has no hard feelings towards the club.

"It is never easy to leave the club of your life, but I am very proud after two and a half years at the head of a dressing room that has been like a second family," Xavi wrote in an open letter to supporters.

"This season things have not gone our way, but we have let it go and helped to grow a new generation of young footballers from La Masia who inspire all Barcelona fans... I wish the best for the club that I hold dear to my heart."

The manager has confirmed that he will forgo the final year of his salary owed to him by the club.