FC Barcelona must look for a new head coach. After all, last Saturday it was announced that Xavi Hernandez will be leaving Spain’s outgoing champions after the season. In the meantime, however, reinforcement for next season is already underway.
Xavi was already extremely successful as a player at Barcelona, and in the autumn of 2021 he also took over as head coach. And last season he led his team to the Spanish national title, the first in four years. His contract was extended in September.
But confirmation remains lacking in the current year. The defending champions are currently fourth in La Liga, already 11 points behind leader Girona FC. Moreover, the game provided is far from sparkling. After persistent criticism, Xavi decided to throw in the towel himself.
Looking for a successor
Barça therefore has until next summer to find a suitable successor. The first names are already doing the rounds. Ex-players Rafael Marquez (Barcelona B), Thiago Motta (Bologna) and Giovanni van Bronckhorst (currently clubless) have already been mentioned, as have several coaches from La Liga.
More unlikely avenues are also mentioned, ranging from Jürgen Klopp to Luis Enrique to Roberto De Zerbi. So it is up to the board to make a well-considered choice. In the meantime, the new trainer is already being provided with an additional asset.
Swedish super talent
Barcelona is close to the arrival of Lucas Bergvall. This 17-year-old midfielder from Sweden is considered one of the greatest talents from Scandinavia and can count on even more interest from the European top. However, Barça is said to already have an agreement with his current club Djurgårdens IF. New talks will also be held with the player and his entourage on Wednesday, sporting director Deco hopes to be able to close the deal then.
???????????????? Lucas Bergvall and his family will meet again with Barça today in order to complete the agreement after positive contacts on Tuesday.
Deco wants Bergvall to agree on every detail and get the deal done before the midfielder goes back to Sweden.
Djugården already said yes. pic.twitter.com/t8uLx8nmla
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2024
