ONE OF BARCELONA’S STARS INFORMED ‘ANGRY’ HANSI FLICK OF XAVI STAY DECISION

So sure was the former Bayern Munich boss of his impending arrival, that he informed an unnamed member of Barca’s squad – with whom he shared a close bond – that he would soon be named his new manager.

Joan Laporta’s subsequent meeting with Xavi, since dubbed ‘the sushi dinner’, however, turned the entire situation on its head.

An emotional exchange between the pair saw Barcelona’s president give his backing to Xavi to see out the remaining year of his contract.

Hansi Flick, in turn, was informed of Laporta’s call by the same Blaugrana star whom he had previously confided in, leaving both the German, and agent Pini Zahavi, ‘angry’ with Barcelona.

Tensions, though, have evidently since been resolved, with Flick looking all set to make his way to Catalunya’s capital over the weeks ahead.