Two reasons why Barcelona want 45-year-old tactician to succeed Xavi as manager – report | OneFootball

Shortly after Barcelona’s heartbreaking loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, Rafa Marquez appears to have become a hot topic in Catalonia.

The former Mexican defender, currently coaching Barça Atletic, has emerged as a hot candidate to replace Xavi Hernandez next season.

Marquez has even received support from Barcelona president Joan Laporta and there is a general sense in the Barcelona camp that the Mexican might be leading the race to replace Xavi this coming summer.

Here’s why Barça like Marquez

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona like the option of Marquez primarily because of two factors.

First and foremost, he knows the club quite well. Marquez was indeed a crucial member of Frank Rijkaard’s team that won the club’s second European Cup in 2006.

Joan Laporta supports the Rafa Marquez option (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

With almost 250 competitive appearances, Marquez was even one of Barcelona’s best defenders in the previous generation.

Apart from his playing experience at Barça, Marquez also has exposure to coaching the youth teams, which is something that was common in Barça’s previous managers such as Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola.

Marquez can get the best of Barça youth

Another factor that works in Rafa Marquez’s favour is his ability to nurture talents. During his time at Barça Atletic, he was crucial in developing several youngsters, including Pau Cubarsi.

Marquez is well aware of players such as Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Alejandro Balde. And given his track record of developing talents, he could be an excellent fit for Barcelona.

In fact, the 45-year-old tactician is already developing many future prospects for Barça, including Mika Faye and Marc Bernal, who may soon sign a new contract at Camp Nou.

Marquez, therefore, appears to best-suited when it comes to getting the best out of La Masia, which could be a crucial aspect if the Barça project is to succeed.