Barcelona director spotted with 49-year-old Dutch manager after Napoli clash

After Barcelona’s triumphant 3-1 win against Napoli in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, praise for coach Xavi Hernandez has been pouring in from fans, pundits, and fellow professionals alike.

But the win does not change the reality of Xavi’s imminent departure, with the club’s hierarchy still pressing to identify his successor on an immediate basis.

Sporting director Deco has been busy keeping tabs on a variety of candidates, which includes the likes of Hansi Flick, Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann, and Roberto De Zerbi.

Former Barcelona player was accompanying Deco

Now, it appears a new name may be entering the mix, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that Deco was seen leaving the stadium with Giovanni van Bronckhorst, a former Barcelona player, last night following the Napoli clash.

Van Bronckhorst, who played for Barcelona from 2003 to 2007, has won several accolades with the Catalan giants and even has experience as a coach.

Indeed, the 49-year-old has coached Feyenoord, Guangzhou R&F, and Rangers in the past. However, he has not had a team since November 2022, when he was fired from his role at the Scottish club.

Deco is leading the search for Xavi’s replacement. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

The former Arsenal and Barcelona footballer has been a pundit in the Netherlands ever since, but he is still actively on the hunt for a new role.

Therefore, the fact that Deco, van Bronckhorst, Alejandro Echevarria, and Enric Masip all departed the Montjuic together indicates there is a possibility of the Dutchman being considered for the managerial position, or at least as an advisor for Deco over the matter.

Yesterday, it was reported that Barcelona have set a deadline to decide on the new coach’s appointment, and the upcoming international break will be a decisive period.

For now, speculations will continue to do the rounds until the club holds formal talks with the prospective candidates and irons out the details.