Barcelona president being encouraged to approach Italian tactician to replace Xavi

As uncertainty continues to loom over the future of Xavi Hernandez as the manager of FC Barcelona, several names are being linked as potential replacements.

The likes of Rafa Marquez and Hansi Flick appear to be the most popular choices while Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, and even Sergio Conceicao’s names have been considered.

Another manager who appears to be in the fray to replace Xavi is former Barcelona midfielder and current Bologna head coach Thiago Motta.

Only a few days back, reports emerged claiming that the Italian tactician had offered himself to Barça, although his agent was quick to dismiss those rumours.

Laporta being advised to approach Motta

However, according to the latest update from Gerard Romero, those close to Barcelona president Joan Laporta are encouraging him to make a move to appoint Thiago Motta as a replacement for Xavi.

Thiago Motta is in demand. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Motta has enjoyed a brilliant season as manager of Bologna, helping them qualify for the UEFA Champions League as they sit third in the Serie A table with just one game left to be played.

The 41-year-old’s work has earned him a lot of admirers, with Italian giants Juventus targeting him as a replacement for Massimiliano Allegri.

However, Barcelona cannot entirely be dismissed as a possibility for the Italian, given his past with the club. After all, he spent eight years on the Blaugrana’s books as a player between 1999 and 2007.

What is certain at this point is that Xavi appears set to be relieved of his duties at the end of the season, with there being very little hope for him to continue.

Only time will tell if Laporta heeds the advice of those around him and makes a move for Motta or decides to appoint an in-house solution like Barça Atletic boss Rafa Marquez.