Former Barcelona forward wanted Xavi to continue as manager beyond this season

Former Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez, who now plays for Lazio, has said that he would have liked Xavi to continue at the club, adding that it’s a shame that the 44-year-old had to leave like this.

In late January, Xavi publicly announced that he would leave Barcelona at the end of the season after his side suffered a shocking 3-5 loss to Villarreal. Since then, the team from Catalonia has been preparing a list of candidates, but a decision is yet to be reached.

Pedro, who shared the field with Xavi during his time at Barcelona, talked about his former teammate, adding his dissatisfaction with his decision.

“I would have liked Xavi to continue, it’s a shame because he is a great coach and a friend too,” the former winger was quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Furthermore, the Lazio forward was also asked if any of his former teammates would be a worthy candidate to take up the role, particularly Rafa Marquez, to which he added,

Xavi will leave Barcelona at the end of the season. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

“Rafa was an incredible player and now as a coach, he is doing very well. I hope he is a solid candidate if Xavi leaves. I wish Rafa all the luck, I hope he can be the coach of Barça,” he added.

How is Barcelona’s search going?

It is almost every day that countless opinions, comments, rumours, and news regarding potential candidates to coach Barcelona grab the headline. 

While having Marquez within the club seems like the most straightforward choice, several names have surfaced with varying degrees of prominence.

Notable mentions include the Germans Hansi Flick, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann, the Italian Roberto de Zerbi, and the Spaniard Luis Enrique Martinez.

The coaching scenario at Barcelona remains wide open at the moment, as the club is currently engaged in a relentless battle to secure the best possible finish in the league and to extend their journey in the UEFA Champions League.