Barcelona Sporting Director Deco only wants one candidate if Xavi Hernandez is sacked

Uncertainty continues to surround Xavi Hernandez’s position as Barcelona manager. For the time being, reports are sticking with the story that Joan Laporta wants the 44-year-old gone at the end of the season, and next week’s meeting will provide clarity to the situation.

🚨 Sergi Roberto's agent is waiting to meet with Deco this week. The agreement is verbal, but nothing has been signed. Barça asks for patience. @HelenaCondis

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 21, 2024

Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, will lead the meeting, and according to Sport, he is clear on who should take the club forward. If it’s decided that Xavi is not that person, he wants Rafa Marquez to be promoted from Barca Atletic to the first team.

Deco’s view is that the current market options, which include the likes of Hansi Flick, Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi, do not provide greater guarantees that the ones that Marquez possesses.

It’s worth nothing that Laporta’s preference would be to hire a coach from outwith Barcelona, and Flick is the strongest candidate at this stage. It remains to be seen if Xavi needs to be replaced in the first place, as he continues as head coach for now.