Barcelona compile three-man shortlist to replace Xavi after another U-turn on Barcelona future

Barcelona have compiled a three-person shortlist to replace Xavi Hernandez after making another U-turn on the Spaniard’s future.

Barcelona have reportedly compiled a three-person shortlist to replace Xavi Hernandez after reconsidering the Spaniard’s future at the club.

The club is allegedly contemplating sacking Xavi at the end of the season following his public comments on Barcelona’s financial struggles. In January, Xavi had announced his intention to step down as manager, but the club’s hierarchy persuaded him to stay on. However, recent remarks have reportedly angered President Joan Laporta.

In a press conference, Xavi emphasized the need for the club to spend money to avoid stagnation and highlighted the difficulty of competing against Real Madrid and other European giants due to financial constraints.

He stated, “The Culé must understand that the situation is very complicated to compete economically.”

With tensions rising, Barcelona’s leadership is now considering their options for a new managerial direction.

“It has nothing to do with what we had 25 years ago when the coach would come and say ‘I want this one, this one, and this one’. It doesn’t work like that anymore.

“I understand that and that’s how we’re going to adjust to it. That doesn’t mean we’re not going to compete. We need stability and time. There are good things to compete for. The situation we are in is the situation we are in in terms of results.

“Last year we were solvent without playing the football we would like to play and this year, we have played better, but with worse results.”

Barcelona have reportedly compiled a three-person shortlist to replace Xavi Hernandez after making another U-turn on his future at the club.

It has been alleged that Xavi conveyed something entirely different to President Joan Laporta weeks earlier, expressing full faith in the team. However, his public comments about the club’s financial struggles reportedly angered the club’s hierarchy.

In an attempt to clarify his remarks, Xavi stated: “I said what I think, the economic situation is not the best and we are all working very well to improve the situation. We will fight to get titles, nothing changes.”

Now, Barcelona are allegedly seeking new candidates, with AS reporting that Rafa Marquez, Hansi Flick, and Sergio Conceicao are on their shortlist. Flick, the former Germany boss, has been tipped for a return to Bayern Munich this summer, while Marquez has impressed as the head of Barcelona’s youth team.