Barcelona locker room worried about the club’s project amid uncertainty over Xavi’s replacement

Barcelona’s hunt for a new manager isn’t going as planned. While Xavi’s departure at the end of the season is guaranteed, the team from Catalonia has not decided on who will take the role upon his exit.

All this has caused quite a stir within the locker room and journalist Jordi Gil has reported via SPORT that the players are beginning to worry about the project as they are unaware of the happenings and their immediate future. 

It is no secret that Barcelona are entering the final stretch of the season with a cloud of uncertainty looming over them. The primary concern, from a sporting perspective, revolves around the question of who will assume leadership in the locker room next season.

Players are worried about their future

Right now, it is believed that Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, is working to present potential candidates to the president, Joan Laporta, for approval. 

Amidst this, it is to be noted that Xavi has played a crucial role in many signings, and players are beginning to grow uncertain about their future without his strong backing.

Notably, Ilkay Gundogan publicly expressed his gratitude towards the coach, acknowledging a personal connection. Joao Cancelo and Jules Kounde, among other key players, were also brought in at the insistence of the coach.

On his way out. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The team is tussling with a sense of unease as rumours circulate about potential significant sales to stabilize the club’s finances or potential strategic changes. This includes sales of several key first team members such as Raphinha and Kounde himself.

As a result of this, the Barcelona dressing room is getting anxious and there is a sense of discomfort, making it challenging for the players to focus on their performance.

Is there anyone Barcelona are considering?

There remain a host of managers who are on the list for the job. This includes the likes of Hansi Flick, Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi.

If Barcelona choose to take the German way, either with Flick or Tuchel, this may prove advantageous for players such as Robert Lewandowski or Gundogan, given the potential for a strong understanding between them.

On the other hand, Barça Atletic boss Rafa Marquez’s candidacy could be beneficial for young players, particularly those he is familiar with from the academy, offering a more consistent and familiar transition.