Barcelona’s Dilemma: Choosing Xavi’s Successor

With Xavi’s departure announcement, Barcelona recognizes the pivotal decision ahead in selecting his successor. The team’s future in the upcoming season rests heavily on the new leader, influencing the immediate trajectory of the club. Xavi’s exit caught both Joan Laporta and the Deco-led sporting direction off guard, prompting a strategic rethink to navigate at least until June 2026, the end of the current mandate.

Having digested Xavi’s departure, the board plans to take two or three weeks to deliberate on the way forward. Two distinct paths are under consideration. The first involves appointing a young, ambitious coach eager to embark on a significant project at Barcelona. This category includes former Barça players, bringing valuable experience to manage the challenges of leading the first team.

Names such as Míchel (Girona), Motta (Bolonia), Conceiçao (Porto), De Zerbi (Brighton), Arteta (Arsenal), and even Rafa Márquez (Barça Atlètic) fall within this exploratory path. Over the coming weeks, all scenarios, along with their pros and cons, will be thoroughly examined.

The second and currently more appealing option, disregarding economic constraints and market challenges, is securing an experienced coach capable of managing Barcelona’s demanding squad. Recognizing the complexities of leading the team, the board believes only a respected figure with experience and authority can handle the role effectively.

Jürgen Klopp Tops the List: In this context, Jürgen Klopp’s name emerges as a prominent choice. Laporta has long expressed his admiration for the German coach, and Klopp was part of discussions during the early stages of Laporta’s second term. Although no deal materialized then, the current circumstances offer a different landscape.

Klopp recently announced his departure from Liverpool on June 30, concluding a nine-season tenure. Citing exhaustion, Klopp expressed his intention to take a sabbatical. While this adds a complication for Barcelona, given their interest, they are confident in presenting compelling arguments to persuade him to reconsider the year-long break.

Klopp has previously shown interest in coaching in Spain, a factor that weighs significantly in Barcelona’s considerations. Convincing him to defer the sabbatical year will require a compelling project. However, the real challenge lies in the financial aspect, as the coach may need resources that Barcelona currently lacks. The club’s ability to make convincing signings depends on selling players beforehand, and Klopp’s willingness to navigate this constraint becomes crucial. While many developments are yet to unfold, Jürgen Klopp stands out as the desired choice.