FC Barcelona Decides Xavi's Replacement and Halts New Coach Search

FC Barcelona Decides Xavi Head Coach Replacement

SPORT reports that FC Barcelona has ceased its search for a new head coach as it has already chosen Xavi Hernandez's successor, should he step down on June 30th. Xavi announced his intention to leave the position in January, following a disappointing 5-3 La Liga loss to Villarreal at the Montjuic Stadium.

Xavi's early announcement of his departure appears to have motivated the players, as Barcelona has remained unbeaten in 13 games since the defeat to Villarreal. Additionally, the team is on the verge of advancing to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2019, with a 3-2 aggregate lead over PSG ahead of their quarter-final second leg match.

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President Joan Laporta has openly expressed his desire for Xavi to continue in his role, as reported by Mundo Deportivo last month.

"I told him: we respect the fact that you're here until the end of the season. It's your decision. We're doing well, we're getting better and better. Look, since he's said it, he's won again and we're winking at each other as if to say something can happen here. It's going like this, it's going better [than before] and the objectives are achieved".

"Xavi already knows that I would like him to continue, but I already told him at the time, when he said about the pressure, that here we are always under pressure with the experience that you have," Laporta explained.

According to reports, FC Barcelona is eager for Xavi Hernandez to remain as head coach, with positive results and financial support in the transfer market being key factors in convincing him to commit for another year. While other potential candidates like Roberto De Zerbi and Hansi Flick have been discussed, the search for a successor has been halted.

If Xavi decides not to continue, the club has already identified Rafa Marquez as his replacement. Marquez, a former teammate of Xavi during his playing days, currently manages the reserve team, Barca Atletic. His familiarity with the club and its youth players makes him a natural choice, although questions remain about his readiness for senior football management at the elite level.

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