The club still believes that the coach might reverse his decision to leave in the summer if he ends the season successfully. Should that not happen, the post-Xavi solution will involve Rafa Márquez, the coach of the B team.
As the end of the season approaches, the uncertainty surrounding Xavi's continuation as Barcelona's manager remains unresolved by the club.
While it is not yet definitive that Xavi will leave his post, Barcelona is preparing for all possibilities for the 2024/25 season. The current belief within the club's leadership, especially under the direction of President Joan Laporta, is that Xavi could be persuaded to stay if the season concludes on a high note and the club commits to further investment for the upcoming campaign.
However, if Xavi decides to depart as anticipated, Barcelona has already lined up a potential successor in Rafa Márquez. The former Mexican international and current coach of Barcelona's B team has expressed his willingness and readiness to take over the first team. Márquez's potential elevation is seen as a continuation of the club's philosophy of promoting from within and relying on figures who are intimately familiar with the club's culture and values.
This internal planning comes in the wake of failed negotiations with Roberto De Zerbi, the current Brighton coach, who was initially targeted as a potential new leader for the team. However, the financial implications of bringing De Zerbi to Camp Nou proved prohibitive, leading Barcelona to abandon this option.
Amidst these strategic considerations, Hansi Flick, the former coach of the German national team, emerges as a dark horse candidate. Flick, known for his success with Bayern Munich and the German national team, is available and has been identified as a possible, albeit unlikely, alternative should all other plans fall through. His experience and track record at the highest levels of international football make him an intriguing option, though the club recognizes the slim chances of this materializing.
As Barcelona navigates these complex managerial decisions, the focus remains on ensuring stability and continuity in leadership to maintain the team's competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions. The choices made in the coming weeks will significantly shape the strategic direction and aspirations of the club moving forward.
