Barcelona remain undecided on their manager for next season, and despite Xavi Hernandez announcing his exit this summer, President Joan Laporta has made no secret of the fact that he would like him to continue next year. Part of the reason is that they are unconvinced by the alternatives on offer.
The likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto de Zerbi, Thomas Tuchel and Mikel Arteta were linked the job, but all have been distanced from the role, with Matteo Moretto reporting that de Zerbi was an ‘impossible’ option due to his release clause. Luis Enrique, Rafael Marquez and Hansi Flick are reportedly still under consideration.
However as Pol Ballus of The Athletic told The Barcelona Podcast, one of the reasons that Xavi remains the first choice is that the Blaugrana are not convinced by their alternatives. Their next appointment could be crucial, and the club can scarcely afford a dramatic drop off, and even if Xavi has his flaws, he is a known quantity to guide them through a tough spell. None of the alternatives are the ‘ideal’ appointment, and so Laporta’s feeling is that Xavi is a safer pair of hands.
Certainly Xavi is the cheapest option they have, and the one that will most protect Laporta from criticism with an electoral race two years out. Xavi was drafted in as an emergency replacement, but was a consensus choice, while their next manager is unluikely to be. Should things go wrong, the responsibility will fall squarely at his feet. Reportedly Xavi and Laporta will discuss their future after the 21st of April.
Image via REUTERS/Albert Gea/File Photo
phemoranking
0
does who say xavi should leave are sick .
Davichi
0
Xavi is good but not good enough for Barcelona. believe once pedri is fit he will force him into the lineups know well that his attacking options are slow.
Sure, but good enough to win La Liga with teenagers. Ignoramus!
Davichi
1
xavi asking for 29-30 years old kimich deco asking for 22-23 years old amadou onana very good DM and xavi said no what that means nonsense let him go
Before coming here to say all these rubbish. Are you aware that Barca doesn't have funds to buy players? They can't even afford Kimmich, talk less of Onana. Where were you and your stupid Deco when Xavi win the league last season. Some of you Barca fans are so ungrateful and ignorant. You don't even understand the situation of the club you support.
pisaekmou
0
Xavi is good but not good enough for Barcelona. believe once pedri is fit he will force him into the lineups know well that his attacking options are slow.
Koubcelpuz
0
Xavi should stay
Duodilmntu
0
Xavi must leave, period! New dynamics needed...
peaceofmind
2
instead of xavi to leave his post Deco need to go first
Jvon
0
is not bad but I don't like in stupid idea to bring some old player in our team when deco talking about amadou onana DM he talking about kimich ....Marin zubim... nonsense let him go please he make to much mistake as coach and is not good by right this Romeo guy not to come over our team
Is onana your brother?
Dewceknsuy
1
xavi asking for 29-30 years old kimich deco asking for 22-23 years old amadou onana very good DM and xavi said no what that means nonsense let him go
Dewceknsuy
0
some people don't know what going on ... they just want to talk about deco .. deco is right deco wanted for us to have neves....or amrabat..... but for DM ...but I don't know why he said Romeo and now everyone see the results xavi ask for player who will give him money ... please let him go
Dewceknsuy
1
is not bad but I don't like in stupid idea to bring some old player in our team when deco talking about amadou onana DM he talking about kimich ....Marin zubim... nonsense let him go please he make to much mistake as coach and is not good by right this Romeo guy not to come over our team
Ropabdikop
0
Deco you are they causes of all this problem. you talk 👄 too much rather than your work. you think to be a coach is easy work .stupid.
I like statement
kozcepstuy
1
Deco you are they causes of all this problem. you talk 👄 too much rather than your work. you think to be a coach is easy work .stupid.
Miraedegba
0
nah man ur club is doomed. You need jurgen klopp or hansi flick, they seem like good managers.
Doomed 🤨 does this Barça team look doomed to you???
piybdnopy
1
Deco is a part of the reason we Barca fans see Xavi the way we have been lately
Yitdemop
0
They should have thought about that before treating him like he's done nothing. Especially that big mouthed Deco... I hope he'd become the next coach when Xavi leaves lets see if his mouth can convert into results. I know he's pained because Pep chased him out for Xavi and Iniesta.
nah man ur club is doomed. You need jurgen klopp or hansi flick, they seem like good managers.
Moydelno1
0
They should have thought about that before treating him like he's done nothing. Especially that big mouthed Deco... I hope he'd become the next coach when Xavi leaves lets see if his mouth can convert into results. I know he's pained because Pep chased him out for Xavi and Iniesta.
Very true deco is very stupid
Davichi
6
They should have thought about that before treating him like he's done nothing. Especially that big mouthed Deco... I hope he'd become the next coach when Xavi leaves lets see if his mouth can convert into results. I know he's pained because Pep chased him out for Xavi and Iniesta.