Who will inherit Xavi’s mixed legacy at Barcelona at the end of the season?
As the dust settles on Xavi’s announcement of his departure from Barcelona at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, attention swiftly turns to who will fill the void left by the club legend.
With Xavi citing the need for a change in dynamic, Barcelona faces a pivotal moment in selecting their next manager. Let’s delve into some of the top candidates who could potentially lead the Catalan giants into a new era.
Barca’s managrial targets
Pep Guardiola
Amidst the speculation, Pep Guardiola remains a sentimental favorite among Barcelona fans. Having achieved unprecedented success during his tenure, Guardiola’s return would symbolize a reunion with the club’s golden era. While the prospect of Guardiola leaving Manchester City seems unlikely, his unparalleled understanding of Barcelona’s ethos makes him an ideal, albeit improbable, choice.
Garcia Pimienta
Another internal option is Las Palmas manager García Pimienta, who boasts a strong connection to Barcelona through his extensive tenure in the club’s youth system. Despite being overlooked previously by the club’s hierarchy, Pimienta’s success at Las Palmas has caught the attention of many. His possession-based style and knack for developing young talents could rejuvenate Barcelona’s identity.
Míchel
Impressing with his work at Girona, Míchel represents an intriguing prospect for Barcelona. His emphasis on possession-heavy football and remarkable team spirit has propelled Girona to new heights. While his Madrid roots might raise eyebrows among Barcelona faithful, Míchel’s proven track record and progressive tactics make him a compelling option.
Jurgen Klopp
Despite being an unexpected choice, Jürgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool has sparked speculation about a potential move to Barcelona. Known for his transformative impact at Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, Klopp’s high-energy style and penchant for rejuvenating teams could align well with the Catalan club’s ambitions. However, the taxing nature of the Barcelona job may deter Klopp, who hinted at needing a break after his Liverpool tenure.
Julian Nagelsmann
As a proponent of progressive football, Julian Nagelsmann offers a departure from Barcelona’s traditional managerial choices. Despite his recent appointment as Germany manager, Nagelsmann’s stint at Bayern Munich showcases his ability to implement entertaining yet effective tactics. While not a conventional pick, Nagelsmann’s innovative approach could inject fresh ideas into Barcelona’s setup.
Cesc Fàbregas
Following in the footsteps of his former teammate Xavi, Cesc Fàbregas emerges as a potential managerial candidate for Barcelona. Despite his nascent coaching career at Como, Fàbregas’ deep understanding of Barca’s philosophy and his footballing education under esteemed managers position him as a future managerial prospect for the Catalan club.
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