Suara.com – Barcelona will undergo its final season with Xavi Hernandez, a club legend who has coached the club since 2021. Xavi has decided to step down as coach at the end of this season.
“On June 30 I will leave the club. That is a decision that I have discussed with the President (Joan Laporta) and staff. Barca needs a change of direction,” said Xavi as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
“I think it will help the dynamics of the club to change and I still think we can have a very good season. I have to think about the club before myself.”
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Who will be the next Barcelona coach certainly makes the public curious. Several names have risen to the surface as potential replacements for Xavi, such as two names who have past ties to Barcelona, namely Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.
Pep Guardiola coached Barcelona in mid-2008-2012 and became one of the club's most successful coaches, while Jose Mourinho was assistant coach to Louis van Gaal and translator for Sir Bryan Robson, although he also coached rival club Real Madrid.
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola. (ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP)
Barcelona's Sports Director, Deco, answered rumors that Barcelona would be coached by Guardiola again and could potentially be coached by Mourinho.
“Pep is a great coach,” said Deco to Esports3, Friday (9/2/2024).
“There is no discussion about this. He is the best Barca coach in history. Without a doubt.”
“And he continues to be successful out there. He's the best in the world at the moment. We don't talk to any coaches. It's normal for the press to ask questions, but talking about technicians who have contracts means a lack of respect for others and us. His time will come arrive.”
Meanwhile for Mourinho, who is currently unemployed after being fired by AS Roma, Deco emphasized that there have been no discussions and the club is looking for a coach who can adapt to the club's situation, as well as handle young players.
“He (Mourinho) is a good friend of mine, but I haven't spoken to him for a long time,” added Deco.
“We are looking for a manager who can adapt to the club's situation and can continue to develop the young players we have,” said the former Barcelona and Chelsea player.