Sport reports that FC Barcelona has decided that Rafael Marquez will be the replacement for Xavi Hernandez at the end of the season. Many names were thrown out to suggest that the Catalan club was looking for an experienced manager for next season, but now, Marquez seems to be the priority in replacing Xavi. The Mexican coach is currently coaching Barca Atletic, and his performances at the youth level are impressing the board of FC Barcelona.
❗️It has been decided. If Xavi leaves Barcelona at the end of the season, Rafa Márquez will replace him.
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) April 15, 2024
— @sport pic.twitter.com/ucZ06rxzFK
FC Barcelona has reportedly chosen Marquez because of his results with Barca Atletic, his knowledge of the youngster at the club, his familiarity with the club's economic situation, and his relationship with the club president Joan Laporta. Marquez's agent is Jorge Mendes, and he has a strong relationship with the club. appointing him would make it easy for the club to get it done and be quickly focused for next season.
❗️Why Barcelona have chosen Rafa Márquez as the top candidate to replace Xavi:
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) April 15, 2024
- His results with Barça Atletic-
- His knowledge on youngsters
- He's familiar with the club's economic situation
- His relationship with Laporta and Deco
- His agent (Jorge Mendes)
— @sport pic.twitter.com/6VLIM3bvuJ
He became the coach of Barca Atletic in the summer of 2022, and his contract expires this summer. The Mexican coach has 72 games where he has won 34, drew 20, and lost 18. His preferred formation he uses with the young Barcelona team is an offensive 4-3-3 system. His managerial career started in 2021, and his inexperience worries Barcelona fans.
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Joan Laporta's update on Xavi's future at the club
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke to Esport3 about Xavi's future at the club. Laporta said, "I feel that the situation with Xavi is still open and can change. We will talk again at the end of the season." In a press conference ahead of the PSG game tomorrow, Xavi spoke about his future at the club. Xavi said, "Many people are now asking about me and my future nowadays… which wasn’t the case 3 months ago. I’m not the one important now, let’s focus on the club."
🔵🔴 Xavi: “Many people are now asking about me and my future nowadays… which wasn’t the case 3 months ago”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 15, 2024
“I’m not the one important now, let’s focus on the club”. pic.twitter.com/t5rPYsZVqM