FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez publicly declared his decision to step down on June 30 after the ongoing 2023-24 season.
"I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barça. I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation," the 44-year-old tactician said.
This announcement follows a surprising 5-3 defeat for the reigning La Liga champions against 14th-placed Villareal in a league game that took place on Saturday, January 27, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, which serves as Barca's temporary home stadium during the ongoing renovations at Camp Nou.
Following the loss, Barcelona currently occupies the third position in the La Liga table, trailing 10 points behind the league leaders, Real Madrid, with 17 matches to play.
Xavi assumed the managerial role at Barcelona in the middle of the 2021-22 season, stepping in during a challenging period marked by the team's decline, attributed to aging stars, board mismanagement, and financial issues.
In his first campaign during the 2022-23 season, Xavi orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the team. Under his guidance, Barcelona secured their first trophy in two years by winning the 2022-23 Spanish Super Cup. Furthermore, he led the team to clinch their first La Liga title in four years.
However, the team has experienced regression in the current season, facing setbacks such as losing the Spanish Super Cup Final against Real Madrid and getting eliminated in the Copa Del Rey quarterfinals by Athletic Bilbao.
Read more: Liverpool: 3 Best Candidates to Replace Jurgen Klopp as Reds Manager
3 best candidates to Replace Xavi Hernandez
1. Thomas Tuchel
Currently managing the German club Bayern Munich, Tuchel is under heightened pressure following a subpar season. They risk losing the Bundesliga title for the first time in 12 years, with Bayer 04 Leverkusen emerging as the league leaders halfway into the season.
Adding to the situation, Tuchel has recently expressed his admiration for La Liga and has indicated an interest in coaching in Spain, fueling speculation about his potential move to Barcelona.
2. Rafael Marquez
One of the more straightforward options for Barcelona could be to appoint Rafael Marquez, who currently manages the club's reserve team, FC Barcelona Athletic.
Marquez is well-acquainted with the club, having been a defender for the Blaugrana team from 2003 to 2010. He has openly expressed interest in the coaching position, making him a familiar and potentially viable choice.
"You can't say no to an opportunity like this. And if it comes, I will try to be available and try to do my best," the former Mexican defender said, referring to the incoming vacancy in Barcelona's managerial role.
3. Jurgen Klopp
This may be far-fetched, but Barcelona would certainly do no wrong by hiring outgoing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who is set to leave the Reds at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Despite the German tactician's declaration of taking a break in the next season, the allure of managing a storied club undergoing a rebuilding phase and bringing them back to the top might entice one of the world's best managers, reminiscent of what he did when he took over Liverpool in 2015.
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