Barcelona like Argentine manager as possible candidate to replace Xavi

The past couple of days have sparked a lot of unrest around FC Barcelona, with manager Xavi Hernandez’s position once again being called into question.

Only weeks after he and Joan Laporta announced in a press conference that the club legend will stay on as manager for next season, things have taken a U-turn again.

Unhappy with some of the statements made by Xavi earlier in the week, Laporta has seemingly decided to part ways with him at the end of the season.

Now, Barcelona are searching for a new candidate to replace the former midfielder, with the names of Hansi Flick and Rafa Marquez doing the rounds again.

But there appears to be another name on the shortlist if a report from Mundo Deportivo is to be believed.

Barcelona like Marcelo Gallardo

Indeed, as per the report, Barcelona are admirers of Argentine tactician Marcelo Gallardo, who will be leaving Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad imminently.

Gallardo is liked at Barcelona. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Gallardo, 48, enjoyed a lot of success at River Plate back in Argentina and was even linked with Barcelona briefly in the past.

Having left the South American club in December 2022, Gallardo joined Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia in November 2023, but things have not gone according to plans for him at the Middle Eastern club.

Having had a falling out at the club, Gallardo will be parting ways with Al Ittihad imminently and appears to be on Barcelona’s radars again.

However, at this point, he is not the most well-positioned coach to take over from Xavi as the next coach of Barcelona.