Decision made – Barcelona will appoint former defender as manager if Xavi leaves

A sensational report from Albert Masnou via SPORT has emerged, saying that Barcelona have now stopped looking for a new coach as they only want to decide between the continuity of Xavi and the promotion of Rafa Marquez.

The journalist writes that this week carries immense weight for Barcelona’s trajectory, both on the field and in the dugout as the outcomes of the clashes against PSG and Real Madrid hold the power to chart the club’s immediate course.

As of today, Xavi has not deterred from his decision to leave at the end of the season. However, the manager has put forward some conditions like reinforcing the squad with significant signings such as Martin Zubimendi or Joshua Kimmich.

As of today, there are a plethora of variables at play, leaving the club to focus on the pressing matters at hand before making any definitive decisions. By week’s end, clarity is expected to emerge.

The older options did not work

It is said that the team has already begun to narrow down its options. The once-promising German route has lost momentum over the passing weeks, with only Hansi Flick remaining in consideration due to his availability. 

Progress with Roberto De Zerbi has been limited despite initial discussions with Deco. His existing contract and hefty buyout clause pose obstacles to any significant headway in negotiations.

Barcelona are ready to bank on Rafa Marquez. (Photo credit JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

This is why there are a bunch of reasons why it’s getting tricky for Barça to find a new coach. First off, they’re not keen on searching far and wide for someone new. Then, there’s uncertainty about whether whoever they pick will fit in well at Barça. 

A big decision pending

Barcelona have got a big decision to make. If Xavi wants to stay on, the club will let him. But there’s a catch: he has to publicly announce that he wants to stay, just like he announced he was leaving before. 

The club president Joan Laporta is pretty keen on this idea and if Xavi agrees, the president will say yes to him staying.

But if things don’t work out with Xavi or he still wants to leave, the club has another option in mind: Rafa Marquez. 

The former Mexican defender used to play for Barça, and now he is coaching the reserve team and has done a good job so far, having led them to a playoff finish last season and within a shout for promotion to La Liga 2 this time around.

The club thinks Marquez could be a good fit because he knows the younger players well, he is used to the club’s ways, and he gets along with the president and others in charge.

So, while they might have other names in mind, Marquez seems like a solid choice if Xavi doesn’t stick around.