Barcelona to revive interest in two managerial targets as Xavi nears exit – report

Over the past few hours, there has been a radical turn of events at FC Barcelona.

Last week, it appeared that Xavi Hernandez will be leaving despite the club’s efforts to convince him to continue. Over the past couple of days, numerous reports suggested that the Spaniard was set to reverse his decision and stay.

Now, though, it is being claimed that Xavi is closer to leaving than staying on as Barcelona manager.

There was an internal meeting held today during which an agreement for him to continue was not reached. Even though Joan Laporta remains in favour of Xavi staying, an exit looks likely.

In fact, it is also suggested that Barcelona have already started the search for a replacement for the former midfielder.

Tuchel, Flick back on the agenda

Building on that, SPORT reports that the names of Thomas Tuchel and Hansi Flick are very much back on the agenda at Barcelona.

For a while now, it was claimed that if Xavi opts to leave, it would be Barça Atletic manager Rafa Marquez who was best placed to replace him.

However, now that does not appear to be the case as the Mexican is no longer seen as the favourite for the job.

Thomas Tuchel back on the agenda at Barcelona. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

While he remains on the shortlist, the names of Tuchel and Flick, who had been ruled out not very long ago, are back on the table.

Tuchel will be leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season, but Barcelona had some doubts regarding his suitability to the role and the German himself has concerns about the club’s lack of financial stability.

As for Flick, he had been touted as a favourite for long, but recently it was suggested that his lack of experience outside Germany was seen as a downer at Barcelona.

But the pair will now be considered again, along with Marquez, while it is not ruled out that other possible options will also be explored by the club.