‘Still open’ – Barcelona coaching candidate suggests his future is still undecided

Barcelona are finding it understandably difficult to navigate the coaching situation. The club president is desperate to convince Xavi to stay, thus completely neglecting the need for a backup plan.

The Catalans insist that they are not speaking with potential replacements out of respect for the current manager. The delay, however, will only lead to the list dwindling as potential targets accept other offers that come their way.

One such prime target whom Barcelona are chasing is the renowned Italian tactician Roberto De Zerbi. With every passing day, however, he too appears to be distancing from the post.

De Zerbi option still open

Speaking to the media earlier today after the loss vs Liverpool, the Brighton & Hove Albion manager provided an update on his potential future at the club and thus indirectly on the chances of him leaving the Premier League side.

“I’m gonna speak to Tony Bloom about next season’s plans and then I’ll decide.”

“To work next season at Brighton, I don’t need to extend,” he added, reiterating that it was a solid option via Fabrizio Romano.

Not a desirable result for Brighton today. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

De Zerbi then stressed the fact that, while he was in conversations with his current employers over a renewal, the door to an exit was wide open.

“Now we have finished the discussion about contracts but not because I have decided yet, it’s still open.”

The latest twist

After months of having the Italian tactician lead the list for replacements for Xavi, Barcelona appear to be distancing themselves from the Premier League coach in recent weeks.

After all, they included him on the list of four candidates who had been scrapped off the board list as potential replacements earlier this week.

For starters, Joan Laporta and co. believe De Zerbi does not have the necessary experience at the highest level yet to take over Barcelona.

His hefty release clause that stands between €10 to €25 million only further distances him from the post in the Catalan capital, for Barcelona does not have the required finances to leverage the move.