Xavi and FC Barcelona have not been the brightest in recent weeks. Since the 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico in late October, Barcelona has struggled in many games, including victories. They lost to Girona 4-2, putting the Catalan side in a difficult situation in La Liga. FC Barcelona currently sitting third in La Liga with 41 points and seven points behind league leaders Real Madrid and Girona.
Many Barcelona fans are questioning some decisions they have made during these past few matches. Some believe the current form of Barcelona is enough to sack the Barca legend from his managerial duties. A big issue would be finding a replacement in case Barca fires Xavi.
Some of the Barcelona board like the idea of one day having Rafael Marquez as a new coach for Barcelona. Marquez is currently the manager for Barca Athletic and plans to build the youngsters from La Masia into important players for the senior team. Marquez was appointed the coach of Barca Atletic in the summer of 2022.
The Catalan club has announced another Barca legend will join Rafa Marquez`s coaching staff. The former player returning to the club is Juliano Belletti. Belletti is mainly known for his winning goal in the 2006 Champions League final against Arsenal. The Brazilian has had a role with the club before as an ambassador and has coaching experience. He picked up an assistant manager role at Cruziero in 2021 and was a manager for Sao Paulo`s U-20 team in 2023.
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta now has some options if the Xavi project fails. Laporta wants to include former players to develop and improve the club's state, which has become evident since he has brought in Xavi, Marquez, Belletti, and Deco, the Sporting Director.
First Vice President of FC Barcelona Rafael Yuste has backed Xavi before their Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Osasuna. Yusta insists that the Barca board is "very happy with Xavi and his entire group." He mentions that "Xavi is very happy with the group" and is a team that`s developing.
