Barcelona youth coach speaks on taking over from Xavi: “Can’t say no”

Barcelona have been rocked by Xavi Hernandez’s decision to leave the club at the end of the season.

The Spaniard will cease to be the Barcelona coach from July onwards, meaning the club will have to embark on the new season with a new coach at the helm.

This comes on the back of immense pressure exerted at Xavi, following a series of disappointing results from December. The latest blow came in the form of a 5-3 defeat to Villarreal, along with Copa Del Rey exit at the hands of Athletic Club.

With not much to play for this season, Barcelona are likely to kickstart their search for Xavi’s replacement next season and there appears to be no shortage of alternative.

Rafa Marquez open to taking over Xavi

There is a host of talented managers available across Europe right now – some with experience, while others could bring a wealth of tactical knowledge.

However, Barcelona may already have an in-house replacement for Xavi, in the form of Rafa Marquez.

Is Rafa Marquez the ideal replacement for Xavi? (Photo by ULISES RUIZ/AFP via Getty Images)

The legendary Mexican defender has been coaching the Barça Athletic squad since 2022. Under his leadership, the subsidiary squad has developed a series of talents, including Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado and even Fermin Lopez.

And it appears even Marquez himself is open to taking the next big step in his managerial career by replacing Xavi in the summer.

When asked about the opportunity to become the Barcelona senior team manager, Marquez candidly responded (h/t El Chiringuito), “You can’t say no to an opportunity like this.”

Marquez won’t be the only manager searching for an opportunity to become the Barcelona manager, though, with the Catalans already being linked with a series of coaches.

Deco, in this case, is expected to play a crucial role in combing through the options.

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-youth-coach-speaks-on-taking-over-from-xavi-cant-say-no/

Author : Connell Edgar-Jones

Publish date : 2024-01-28 07:30:00

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