Xavi, it’s almost over. The FC Barcelona coach himself announced it on January 27 following a heavy defeat at home against Villarreal (5-3). “I would like to announce that on June 30, I will no longer continue as coach of Barça. I think the situation needs to change course and, as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation”. He cited mental wear and tear but also his lack of ability to find the springs to allow his team to move forward.
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Even if the risk of a freewheeling end to the season exists, this official communication allows management to quickly begin looking for a coach for next season. Quite a few names quickly came out like Xabi Alonso, Jürgen Klopp, Sergio Conceiçao or even Ruben Amorim and especially Hansi Flick. Joan Laporta admitted to having a weakness for German technicians at the moment. The former Bayern coach, free since his departure from the Nationalmannschaft, quickly appeared as one of the favorites with Roberto De Zerbi.
To read Crisis meeting in the Barça locker room
Flick track ruled out due to Bayern situation
Except that the current setbacks of Bayern Munich (in the event of dismissal, Thomas Tuchel was also cited on the Barça side) call into question the arrival of the one who won the 2020 Champions League against PSG. Always very close to the Bavarian team and its leaders, Flick has become closer to his former club in recent days. At the same time, Laporta continued his research, particularly on De Zerbi, always asking for more information about him according to Sport. The Italian’s agents were even seen last week in Barcelona.
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Edmundo Kabchi and Edoardo Cnajr were mainly present to discuss the situation of Ronald Araujo, whose interests they also defend. In the meantime, the situation has evolved. According to information from AS published this Saturday, Deco and Laporta agreed on the choice of the Brighton technician. The duo of Barça strongmen informed De Zerbi’s representatives. There is still an obstacle to the conclusion of this file. Linked to the Seagulls until 2026, the 44-year-old coach has a €10 million release clause in his contract.
A final obstacle to overcome
However, everyone knows the economic difficulties that the Blaugrana have been facing for several seasons now. If this sum does not appear so substantial, it is still a hindrance. Barça had also paid €5 million to release Xavi from his former club Al-Sadd in Qatar. AS still adds an element. The Catalan club has guaranteed De Zerbi’s agents that if they manage to find a solution, whatever it may be, the current Brighton coach will be on the Barça bench on July 1. A new soap opera begins.
Pub. 02/17/2024 1:45 p.m. Updated 02/17/2024 1:46 p.m.
2024-02-17 12:45:40
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