Barcelona youth coach defends himself after comments about replacing Xavi: “People know my values”

Barcelona have their work cut out ahead of the summer transfer window.

While their initial focus was only going to be on the players, focusing on some positions like the defensive midfield slot, right-back, and the left-wing, Xavi’s decision to leave at the end of the season has stirred things quite a bit.

They will need to find someone to replace the Spaniard before the season clocks up, hoping the new manager can pick up where Xavi left off and build on the promising project.

So far, several names have come up as possible replacements, including Imanol Alguacil, Hansi Flick, Mikel Arteta, Julian Nagelsmann, and Thomas Tuchel among a fair few more.

One name that was expected to come up, but has not so far, is Rafael Marquez. Currently the manager of Barcelone Atletic, the Mexican replaced Garcia Pimienta in the job, and has only done an average job so far.

He did say, however, “It’s a chance you cannot turn down,” when asked about the possibility of coaching the Barcelona senior team. While he received a lot of backlash for the same, Marquez has now come out to defend himself.

“There is no need to explain it, the people who know me, my friends, know about my values, about the person I am,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, after Barcelona Atletic’s 1-1 draw against Logrones.

“I try not to see news, I’m happy doing my job, learning a lot, enjoying with the boys,” Marquez added.

Initial reports had suggested that Barcelona had plans to promote Marquez to take over from Xavi if the legendary midfielder was sacked from his position mid-way through the season.

However, now that he has decided to leave on his own accord, Barcelona have time to look for and pursue other routes that fit their long-term vision more aptly.