Former Barcelona presidential candidate advised Joan Laporta who should succeed Xavi: “He accepted my opinion”

Toni Freixa, who once ran for the presidency of FC Barcelona, has revealed that he talked to Joan Laporta recently where he gave his advice regarding the club’s new manager and the latter agreed to his opinion.

Barcelona have reportedly narrowed down their search for a new manager and as reported before, Brighton and Hove Albion boss, Roberto De Zerbi, has been chosen by the management.

Speaking in the context, Freixa opined that first, Xavi should not have announced his resignation to which Laporta did not agree. However, upon advising his candidate for the position, the club president had similar thoughts.

“My relationship with Joan Laporta is good now. We had breakfast the other day. He looked worried, as all of us Culés. It’s normal. We talked about the club and it was a very cordial breakfast,” said Freixa (h/t Barca Universal).

“I told Laporta that Xavi shouldn’t have done that, (announce his resignation months before he leaves) and he didn’t disagree. Being a president is very complicated, but he has the experience.”

Laporta agreed with Freixa. (Photo by VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO/AFP via Getty Images)

“I told Laporta who should manage Barça next season, and he accepted my opinion. I can’t tell you who I said, but if he picks that manager, I will say: I told you!

“I can’t say who I said publicly, because I don’t want his name to become news because of what I said,” he added.

De Zerbi is leading the charge

It’s been weeks since Barcelona have been assessing their options regarding Xavi’s replacement and for that matter, names such as Hansi Flick, Thomas Tuchel, Ralf Rangnick, Jurgen Klopp and even Mikel Arteta have been linked.

While a few of them, especially Flick, Tuchel and Rangnick were approachable, Barcelona wanted someone who could adapt to Barcelona’s DNA and De Zerbi is being looked upon as a leading candidate.

Interestingly enough, Barcelona have already had a meeting with the Italian’s representatives which went on for over three hours. As such, the 44-year-old does not have a problem in moving too but a lot depends on how the negotiations go with Brighton.