The president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, currently convalescing, has a week to ponder his decision regarding the coach. In his view, Xavi is still not confirmed, with Rafa Márquez being the top alternative. Another option is Flick, due to his experience and international prestige.
FC Barcelona finds itself in the final stretch of a season that unexpectedly will end with a crucial decision for the board chaired by Joan Laporta: who will be the coach for the last stretch of his mandate, ending in 2026. Until last week, everything pointed to Xavi Hernández taking over the sidelines next season, a decision ratified on April 25th by a crowded act of Laporta, sporting vice-president Rafa Yuste, and sporting director Deco in front of the sports commission and the rest of the board.
However, some statements made by Xavi, which deeply affected President Laporta, regarding the team’s chances of competing next season with arch-rivals Real Madrid, have put the coach in a very delicate position. Laporta still considers firing him next week, although some influential voices have recommended reconsidering the decision due to its potential image and financial costs implications. The dismissal of Xavi and his staff is estimated internally at around 20 million euros.
This decision hinges on a face-to-face meeting between the convalescing president and the coach, which theoretically should take place next week. During this meeting, Laporta is expected to inform Xavi that he is no longer counting on him. However, given that both are emotional and straightforward personalities, it remains to be seen whether this situation will lead to a definitive separation or reconciliation. Márquez’s contract ends
In this context, two coaches are on standby in case Xavi leaves. The first is Rafa Márquez (45), who is having an excellent season with Barça B, leading them to the promotion playoffs despite the absence of young players promoted to the first team such as Lamine Yamal, Cubarsí, and Hèctor Fort. The Mexican fulfills a requirement dear to Laporta: a former Barça player, he has been trained to coach the reserve team, where he has been working for two seasons. Márquez is out of contract, and Barcelona must offer him a renewal, but it remains to be seen if he will be chosen to replace Xavi.
He maintains good relations with Deco and Laporta and knows the young players of the reserve and youth teams well. The other most plausible option for the sidelines is Hansi Flick (59).
Represented by Pini Zahavi, a friend of Laporta, he has the advantage of having won six titles with Bayern and having been the coach of Germany. However, he is not familiar with the club’s specifics, its youth development football, or its language. Some at Barça believe that with Márquez, it would be easier to maintain much of the already planned structure, unlike Flick, who might be less flexible.
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