Barcelona president not convinced by in-house solution to replace Xavi | OneFootball

Barcelona’s hierarchy was said to be in a three-way split over the managerial situation at the club earlier this week.

Joan Laporta advocated for Hansi Flick, the candidate who is currently considered the favourite to take over for next season, but others on the board did not agree with the decision.

Rafa Yuste was reportedly in favour of Xavi’s continuity at the club, while Deco, the sporting director, advocated for the promotion of Rafa Marquez from Barça Atletic. After all, the Mexican tactician has been a well-placed option for a long time now.

Laporta unconvinced

Now, ARA reports that Laporta is not in favour of Rafa Marquez’s promotion and that the subsidiary team coach does not convince the president.

Deco and Laporta’s close advisor Alejandro Echevarria see the manager to be ready, but their backing will likely not suffice to hand Marquez the post.

Rafa Marquez does not convince Laporta. (Photo by YURI CORTEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

If the Barça Atletic coach does not earn the promotion to the first team despite the ongoing situation in the club, it is not ruled out that he leaves in June for a new experience.

The Mexican coach, after all, has enjoyed a good season with Barça Atletic, with the team in third place on the league standings with one game to go.

Sacking uncertain

While word has it that Joan Laporta will replace Xavi with Hansi Flick in June, the negotiations over Xavi’s sacking are far from simple.

As revealed earlier today, the club would be forced to pay a significant compensation if they sack Xavi before his contract ends and such a payment will lead to severe financial fair play repercussions.

The negotiations between Xavi and Barcelona, thus, could go on for a long time and it is uncertain if the Catalans can even afford to part ways with the coach. The coming days will be crucial.