After leading Barcelona to the Spanish title last season, Xavi has decided to step down as the head coach after the end of the current season, following a recent 5-3 home defeat against Villarreal and elimination from the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
Current Situation of Barcelona Under Xavi
Barca’s 10-point gap behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid and their exit from the domestic cup have dimmed hopes of winning a trophy this season.
Xavi, once optimistic after a Supercopa de Espana final defeat, expressed his decision to resign, stating that he didn’t want to be a burden to the club. Despite receiving support from club figures, including President Joan Laporta, financial constraints limit Barcelona’s ability to secure a replacement.
The search for a new coach becomes crucial amid challenging financial circumstances, with Sports Dunia exploring potential options for the struggling club.
Potential replacement of Xavi at Barcelona
Francisco Javier Garcia Pimienta
Francisco Javier Garcia Pimienta of Las Palmas emerges as a prime candidate to potentially succeed Xavi at Barcelona, bringing with him a strong connection to the club’s ethos.
As the coach for Las Palmas, Pimienta has guided the team to notable success despite operating with the second-lowest budget in La Liga.
The club, newly promoted last season, is in contention for European qualification. Pimienta’s distinct coaching style reflects the principles ingrained during his nearly three-decade association with Barcelona, initially as a player and later as a coach at La Masia, the renowned youth academy.
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Michel
Amid Barcelona’s financial constraints, Michel, currently coaching Girona, stands out as a pragmatic option for the managerial role. Well-versed in La Liga, Michel has seamlessly adapted to Catalan culture and demonstrated his coaching prowess with Girona, earning admiration for their attractive style of play.
Despite losing key players, including Oriol Romeu to Barcelona, Michel’s side has excelled, notably defeating Barca 4-2 in a recent match.
The 48-year-old’s ability to enhance player performance aligns with Barcelona’s needs, making him a compelling candidate for the managerial position as the club navigates its financial challenges.
Thiago Motta
Considering the limited pool of available coaches, Barcelona might explore recruiting from high-performing European teams, and Thiago Motta emerges as a compelling option.
The 41-year-old, who spent eight years as a player at Barcelona, has transformed Bologna into a captivating, possession-oriented side. Despite a challenging start to his managerial career, Motta guided Bologna to their highest Serie A finish in 11 years last season.
The former Barcelona player’s success in revitalizing a dormant force in Italian football suggests that, despite the potential risks, he could bring valuable qualities to Barcelona, rekindling their connection with a familiar figure.
Rafael Marquez
Former Barcelona and Mexico defender Rafael Marquez, a teammate of Xavi and Deco at Camp Nou, is highly regarded by the club’s decision-makers.
Currently coaching Barcelona Atletic in the third tier of Spanish football, the 44-year-old was appointed in July 2022 and maintains a positive relationship with President Laporta and Deco.
While Marquez’s youngsters showed promise in last season’s play-off semi-finals, he lacks experience at the elite managerial level. Sources suggest he is tentatively considered as a potential replacement for Xavi in emergencies, but appointing him to lead the first team would entail considerable risk for Barcelona.
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Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola, currently at Manchester City, remains the dream choice for Barcelona fans, despite the perceived improbability of his return.
Widely regarded as the world’s best coach, Guardiola led Barcelona to the pinnacle of success during his four-year tenure from 2008-2012. Expressing his deep connection to the club, Guardiola stated last year that if Barcelona were to call, he would answer, emphasizing it as his club.
While fans indulge in the fantasy of his triumphant return, the reality is that Guardiola, content in Manchester after nearly eight years, presents a challenging prospect for Barcelona’s aspirations.