With speculation rife around the future of Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, German coach Hansi Flick appears to be best-placed to replace him.
Reports stemming from late last week have claimed that President Joan Laporta has already decided to sack Xavi, and a meeting is set for Monday to review his performance on Monday, the day after their final game of the season.
Barcelona must negotiate the termination of his deal and that of his staff, and unless they can reach an agreement on his future, could be forced to pay up to €20m in redundancy fees. Once that issue is settled, it looks as if Barcelona will appoint Flick, offering him a one-year deal with an option for a further season, so say MD.
According to El Chiringuito, Xavi will be dismissed on Monday, will have a farewell event on Tuesday, and then Flick will be announced as his successor. Seemingly Laporta has decided that a more experienced coach is better-suited to the club over Rafael Marquez, who was the other leading candidate. Meanwhile MD say it could be as soon as Monday when Flick is announced.
Xavi Hernandez has maintained that he will take a year’s sabbatical from coahcing before assessing his career again, although he has had offers in the past. Amid links to the Milan and Manchester United positions, he also turned down the South Korea job earlier this season, after he announced his decision to leave. There are those that have their doubts whether he will coach again though.