Four once viable managers that are now ruled out to coach Barcelona

As the end of the 2023-24 season nears, Barcelona and Joan Laporta are at a crossroads regarding the team’s managerial future.

On one hand, the president hopes Xavi changes his mind and extends his stay in Catalonia. The uncertainty, on the other hand, forces him to keep a list of backup options ready in case the club legend stays firm on his decision to leave.

Several names have been linked with the Catalan capital in recent weeks including the German troupe of Jurgen Klopp, Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel and Hansi Flick, but also Roberto de Zerbi, and Mikel Arteta amongst others.

As revealed by Mundo Deportivo in a recent update, Barcelona have discarded four of the aforementioned options – each of them for their very own reasons.

Two German coaches fall off the list

The first name to be taken off the table is former Chelsea and PSG manager Thomas Tuchel. The German tactician has largely failed at Bayern Munich this season, drawing doubts over his ability to lead Barcelona.

Moreover, the board see him to be inconsistent in recent years with an unpredictable character, both of which the Catalan administration does not admire.

Tuchel and Nagelsmann are off the list for Barcelona to replace Xavi.

After all, the pressure on the manager at Barcelona is daunting, and perhaps too much for Tuchel.

The second German off the list is Julian Nagelsmann, as the club still see him to be relatively inexperienced at the highest level.

He has indeed led Bayern Munich and Germany, but that is really where his CV ends.

Premier League coaches not an option anymore

Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto de Zerbi, who was largely considered the prime option to replace Xavi, is no longer seen as a viable option either.

The Blaugranas see the Italian to be relatively inexperienced in leading a top-European side. Moreover, his high release clause between €10 to €25 million only serves as a further deterrent.

Arteta and Xavi having a word.

The fourth and last option off Barcelona’s table is Mikel Arteta. The Arsenal coach has a contract with Arsenal in place until 2025, and the Catalans realise that it will not be easy for him to break the commitment.

Moreover, they see him as someone who entered the coaching scene very recently and prefer a more seasoned presence.