It’s still being widely reported that Xavi Hernandez will be sacked by Barcelona in the coming weeks, so attention has been on possible successors to the 44-year-old for next season and beyond. At this stage, Rafa Marquez and Hansi Flick are two leading candidates, but after events on Saturday, things could be about to change.
That’s because Brighton announced that Roberto De Zerbi would be leaving his position as manager after Sunday’s match against Manchester United, meaning that Barcelona would be free to talk to him about replacing Xavi – and there would be no financial burden.
Brighton & Hove Albion has confirmed that head coach Roberto De Zerbi will leave the club after tomorrow’s final Premier League match of the season against Manchester United.
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 18, 2024
On top of this, MD have reported that Barcelona have been offered the chance to hire Bologna’s Thiago Motta. The Brazilian-Italian played for the Catalans for six years between 2001 and 2007, and 17 years later, he could be set for the manager’s job – although he is still most expected to take over at Juventus.
🚨 Someone from outside has suggested Thiago Motta's name to an important figure at Barcelona as a potential replacement if Xavi does not continue. It remains to be seen if the club will consider him and if Motta still has a good relationship with the current people at Barça.… pic.twitter.com/SUzMG5hGn9
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 19, 2024
De Zerbi’s chances of managing Barcelona are certainly higher now because of his availability as a free agent, although it’s all hypothetical for now, until Xavi’s situation is clearly defined.
