Barcelona are experiencing some tough times recently, with the club having a series of bad results. The Catalans are winless in their last three games, which included defeats to Girona and Royal Antwerp and a draw against Valencia.
Being just 4th in the La Liga table, the pressure is piling on the club, especially on manager Xavi. Despite delivering them a league title last season, the Spanish legend is being rumored with a sack, with some replacements already lined up.
Barcelona reported strategies for Xavi’s possible departure
Barcelona fans want a change in results, and sacking Xavi is being strongly pushed. According to SPORT journalist Alfredo Martinez, the club are already lining up replacements for the possibility of sacking the Spaniard.
However, the club are unwilling to sack him now, as they would have to pay out a significant dividend with their financial situation already in shambles. With a contract until June 2025, the Catalans may be stuck with Xavi for a while. And the board will have some replacement targets when his contract does end.
❗If Xavi leaves FC Barcelona, his replacement will be Rafa Márquez. The club believes he is ready. @DBR8 pic.twitter.com/jCWj1Cm4TQ
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) December 19, 2023
Real Sociedad’s Imanol Alguacil is being mentioned a lot, with the Spanish manager revolutionizing the team since his appointment there. He ensured Champions League qualification last season and has brought out the best in his players. His contract also ends in 2025, and he was already praised by President Joan Laporta, Pedri and sporting director Deco when they all met at a recent event.
Laporta also has another successor to replace Xavi in an immediate case. Rafael Marquez, an ex-teammate of Xavi and a legend of the club, is also a great option, according to Marca. He has already impressed as an academy coach at the club, revitalizing the junior side of the men’s team. He has long been rumored to take over the reins of the club.
Barcelona President Joan Laporta offered support to Xavi after drop-in form
But sacking Xavi in the middle of the season may not be a good decision, and the board knows that. It would destroy their current strategy, including transfer objectives, and upset the dressing room. And so, they have to keep some faith in the manager.
Despite the recent drop in form, Laporta has decided to trust in the club legend. In a recent press conference, he reiterated his support publicly, “Xavi has all our trust and he deserves it. When you give a person confidence, they give their best. The confidence we have in Xavi is total.”
❗️Joan Laporta is convinced that, no matter what happens, Xavi will stay at Barcelona until the end of the season at least.
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) December 20, 2023
— @mundodeportivo pic.twitter.com/3HdZ3l8Bbz
But he did remind everyone that further poor performances would undoubtedly have consequences. “The coach always has consequences for losing. If we don’t win titles this season, decisions will have to be made.”
Barcelona have a game against Almeria tomorrow in La Liga, their last league game before the Christmas break. Xavi will hope for a win if he wants to secure his job.
