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Rafael Marquez “is not ruled out” as a possible successor to first-team head coach Xavi, according to Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
After the Catalan team’s 5-3 home loss to Villarreal last weekend, Xavi declared he would be leaving his position as manager at the conclusion of the 2023–24 season.
Laporta has made it possible for Pep Guardiola, the head coach of Manchester City, to return to Camp Nou. Jurgen Klopp, who is leaving Liverpool this summer, has also been connected to the position.
Marquez, who currently oversees Barcelona B, was reportedly very much in the running for the job, and Laporta is reportedly a big fan of the team’s former centre back.
Between 2003 and 2010, the 44-year-old played for Barcelona, where he won four La Liga crowns, one Copa del Rey, and two Champions League trophies in his glittering career.
Since July 2022, Marquez has been in charge of Barcelona B, and the Mexican has shown a desire to take Xavi’s place as manager.
How could someone not want to coach Barcelona? It’s only my second season as a coach, therefore I will keep working hard,” Marquez was reported by Mundo Deportivo last week.
“From now until the end of the season, the board will have ample time to consider its options. But a chance like this one is too good to pass up!”
Laporta has already stated that Marquez “is not ruled out” in the competition to succeed Xavi, with Jose Mourinho reportedly being considered as well.
He is still a possibility. He is a rising star in the club; he is familiar with the organisation and its players. As an asset, he is,” the president said to RAC1.
“When I said the club’s sporting organisation was prepared for an emergency, it was for just this. The team is prepared to start the second coach in the starting lineup.
The new coach, Deco, is in charge of it. We are pursuing several avenues. My thoughts are on the season’s conclusion. I have to maintain my composure. Xavi has my complete trust over the remainder of the season.
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The decision here belongs to Deco. No coach has gotten in touch with me. Things have a finite supply. Unless we come up with a more creative solution, we have to bring in a coach with a certain track record.”
Xavi led the team to a 1-0 victory over Osasuna in La Liga on Wednesday night, despite his statement that the “club needs a change of dynamic” in the wake of the Villarreal loss.
