Pedro Backs Rafa Márquez as Xavi’s Successor at Barça

Former Barcelona player Pedro Rodríguez has expressed his strong support for Rafa Márquez as the best choice to replace Xavi Hernández as the next coach of the team. Pedro shared his insights on the managerial situation at Barça after the Bayern-Lazio Champions League match.

Pedro Rodríguez stated, “If Xavi calls me, I’ll take a quick flight before he changes his mind.” He added, “I hope Rafa Márquez can be the coach of Barça if Xavi leaves.”

Xavi Hernández has already confirmed that he will step down as the coach of Barcelona at the end of the season. The club is actively seeking a replacement, with several names like Nagelsmann, Flick, or De Zerbi being considered. Rafa Márquez, the coach of Barça Atlètic, was quick to express interest, saying, “You can’t say no to such an opportunity.”

Despite Márquez being a real, straightforward, and cost-effective option, Deco, the sporting director, initially downplayed his chances in an interview with the ‘Onze’ program on Esport3, stating, “Rafa is doing his job and growing as a coach in the reserve team, but he is a young coach building his career.” As things stand, Márquez may have to wait for his opportunity, although he is not alone in his quest for the top position.

Recently, he found an unexpected ally in Pedro Rodríguez, who played alongside him at Barcelona alongside Xavi Hernández. Pedro, speaking to TNT Sports México after the Bayern-Lazio Champions League match, praised Márquez, saying, “He was an incredible player, and now, as a coach, he is doing very well.” Pedro went on to express his wish that Márquez becomes a strong candidate if Xavi departs.

Pedro, however, did not hide his disappointment at Xavi’s impending departure, stating, “I would have liked him to continue; it’s a shame because he is a great coach and a friend too.” He reiterated his support for Márquez, saying, “I wish Rafa all the luck; hopefully, he can be the coach of Barça.”