FC Barcelona head coach Xavi announced that he will leave his position at the end of the 2023-24 season. The 2010 World Cup winners made this shocking announcement after the Blaugrana suffered a heart-breaking 3-5 loss against Villarreal in the La Liga.
Also Read: Xavi Hernandez announces departure from FC Barcelona at end of season
This defeat was a continuation of poor form over the ongoing season where Barca is third in the Spanish top-flight behind the rising Girona and arch-rivals Real Madrid, who have a ten-point lead. With the Blaugrana being without a coach for the next season, Jon Laporta and Co. could look for a myriad of options to bring back success to Barcelona.
3 managers who can replace Xavi at FC Barcelona
Rafa Marquez
The former Mexico and FC Barcelona defender, Rafa Marquez, could be a straight-forward replacement for Xavi in the coming season. As a player, Marquez won a lot of silverware with the Blaugrana before transitioning into a coach. He started as a youth coach at RSD Alcalá and took control of the Cadete A (under 15) squad for the 2020–21 season.
Marquez, in 2022, returned to Barcelona and was named the Barcelona B head coach. Over the last two years, the Mexican star has emerged as a vital cog in Barca's developmental setup and hence could allow for a seamless transition. Rafa Marquez prefers a Xavi-like 4-3-3 formation which combined with his familiarity with FCB management, could make him a great option.
