Laporta lifts the lid on Xavi-Barcelona talks

The FC Barcelona president has spoken for the first time about his search for a new manager after sacking Ronald Koeman.

Joan Laporta has confirmed he is in contact with Xavi Hernandez but wouldn’t state whether he will take over at Camp Nou.

After a 1-0 midweek loss at Rayo Vallecano, Laporta sacked head coach Ronald Koeman. The Barcelona chief has handed B team coach Sergi Barjuan control of the first-team affairs on an interim basis, while he searches for a permanent replacement.

Reports claim he has already begun talks with Al Sadd to release Xavi from his contract.

Speaking in a press conference alongside Barjuan, however, Laporta refused to give too much away but admitted Xavi fits the bill as the club’s next manager.

“He is in a very interesting process. He is developing very well and I have very good references from people who are close to him,” said the Catalan.

“I speak with him often. Two months ago, when we gave backing to Koeman, I spoke to Xavi. I know what he thinks of the team, his opinions and what he thinks needs to be done.”

🎙 Barça president @JoanLaportaFCB is asked for his opinion about Xavi Hernández: pic.twitter.com/TFH3wQIxWx

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 29, 2021

When could Xavi take charge?

While Barjuan will lead the squad for Saturday’s home game against Alaves in La Liga, Laporta wouldn’t confirm if Xavi will take charge for the Champions League trip to Dynamo Kyiv next Tuesday.

“The important game is Alaves. I think we’re still in La Liga and we can’t fall behind. La Liga is still wide open,” he said. “Tuesday’s game is extremely important. The person who will sit on the bench in Kyiv, in principle, will be Sergi.”