Barcelona management unhappy with youth coach’s statements about replacing Xavi

Rafael Marquez raised a few eyebrows after he admitted his desire to coach Barcelona next season.

Shortly after Xavi’s announcement, Marquez was asked about the opportunity to coach the Barcelona first team. He admitted his desire to coach the team, suggesting that he wouldn’t want to miss out on such an opportunity.

Barcelona board unhappy with Marquez

However, a recent report from Diario SPORT (h/t FCBWorld) has revealed that the Barcelona management is unhappy with Rafael Marquez.

The leaders are angry with the Mexican after he publicly expressed his desire to coach the Barcelona first-team.

The management believes it was inappropriate for him to publicly comment on opportunities available inside the club.

Marquez’s comments, after all, came against the backdrop of Barcelona being linked with a host of managers across Europe.

Barcelona are unhappy with Rafa Marquez (Photo by ULISES RUIZ/AFP via Getty Images)

Barcelona board, in fact, are very surprised that Marquez, with all his experience, decided to comment on his potential future.

Are Barça interest in Marquez?

Marquez has certainly emerged as one of the candidates to replace Xavi Hernandez next season.

However, recent reports in Spain indicate that Barcelona are not serious about Marquez, even though he does remain one of the candidates.

The same goes for a few other options, including Thiago Motta. The Bologna manager, too, commented on Xavi’s departure from Barcelona, though he did so by ruling out any links to Catalonia.

As for the list of managers Barcelona are interested in, Hansi Flick and Jurgen Klopp top the list, along with Roberto De Zerbi.

Many more candidates could soon emerge as the season progresses. Luis Enrique appears to be the dressing room favourite for now, having previously enjoyed success at Barça.

As for Marquez, the coach has been made aware of the fact that his words have caused discomfort inside the Barcelona management. The commitment is that such an action won’t be repeated again in future press conferences.