Barcelona’s chosen manager to replace Xavi comments on future: “When I hear big teams are interested, it makes me proud”

Earlier today, reports emerged claiming that Barcelona have ‘chosen’ Roberto De Zerbi as the ideal candidate to replace Xavi Hernandez as the first-team manager.

De Zerbi, 44, has done a sterling job at Brighton & Hove Albion over the past couple of years. That, along with his work previously at Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk, have seemingly convinced Barça president Joan Laporta and director Deco he is the right man for the role.

De Zerbi opens up on future

As the rumours continue to swirl about De Zerbi to Barcelona, the Italian tactician discussed his future in a recent interview with Sky Sports.

It must be noted that apart from Barça, the 44-year-old has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, where Jurgen Klopp is set to leave.

Responding to the rumours of interest from the European bigwigs, De Zerbi said: “When I hear that the big teams are interested, it is an honour, it makes me proud, but my focus is on my work, day by day.”

On the matter of his future at Brighton, he explained: “About my future, we’re going to speak with the owner, with the club because I want to compete in the best way that I can, I want to understand the plan, and then it’s not a problem to work in a big, big team.”

Barcelona’s top managerial target. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Discussing his career ambitions, De Zerbi further stated: “I would like, in my career, to compete to win the Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Champions League.

“But there isn’t a time when you have to go, have to compete, or you have to wait some more time.”

On whether he would like to return to Italy, De Zerbi replied: “I love my country, I love Italy, I love the Italian football. I don’t know, for sure one of my targets is to go back to work in my country but I don’t know when it will be.

“I am feeling very well in the Premier League, and I have to say thanks to Brighton, the league, all the coaches and people in the Premier League.”

Barcelona have met with De Zerbi’s agents

De Zerbi’s agents, Edoardo Crnjar and Edmundo Kabchi, recently met with Barcelona director Deco, although the main agenda of the meeting was the future of Ronald Araujo.

But with Barcelona keen on the 44-year-old, it remains to be seen how things progress, especially with the Italian having a €10 million exit clause in his Brighton contract, which the Catalans will have to pay to sign him.