Hansi Flick is reportedly the leading contender to succeed Xavi at Barcelona. The announcement of Xavi’s departure from Barça at the end of the season was made on Saturday, as reported by Gazeta Express. The speculation about potential successors for Xavi at “Camp Nou” has already started, with German journalist Christian Falk mentioning Hansi Flick as one of the candidates to assume the leadership at Barcelona.
In 2021, the president of the “Blaugranes,” Joan Laporta, made an attempt to persuade the German coach Hansi Flick to take charge. However, following Flick’s rejection, Xavi was subsequently appointed as the coach.
Hansi Flick, 58 years old, has been without a coaching position since September of the previous year when he was dismissed from his role with the German national team. Notably, Flick had previously managed Bayern Munich.
Hansi Flick is the 2nd manager ever to achieve the international sextuple in club football after Pep Guardiola. He will be remembered for his success story with Bayern Munich with whom he won 2 Bundesliga titles, a DFB Pokal, a DFB Super Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
True✅ Hansi Flick, former Coach of @FCBayern and @DFB_Team, is a candidate for succession of Xavi at @FCBarcelona. President Joan Laporta tried already in 2021 in a Video Chat to convince Flick. after the rejection of Flick, Xavi was hired @BILD_Sport
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) January 28, 2024
Given his immediate availability and game approach, Flick could be a potentially good replacement contender at Barcelona.
Read More: Top 5 Managers Who Could Replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in 2024
Contenders for Barcelona’s Coaching Role: Joachim Low, Thiago Motta, Michel, Imanol Alguacil & Other Potential Replacements for Xavi
In a span of less than 24 hours, two prominent managerial positions in football have become vacant. Xavi Hernandez declared his decision to step down as Barcelona’s manager effective June 30, following closely on the heels of Jurgen Klopp’s announcement that he would be stepping down as the manager of Liverpool at the end of the Premier League season. Despite both being top-tier roles, the profiles of potential candidates differ, given the unique challenges each club currently faces.
Barcelona, while still an attractive destination, is perceived as slightly less appealing at the moment. The new manager for Barcelona will likely need to navigate not only the usual demands of coaching a top club but also oversee a period of rebuilding for the team. In contrast, Liverpool is seen as a side already well-positioned for success, presenting a different set of considerations for potential candidates.
Following the departure of club legend Xavi less than a season after securing the La Liga title, the selection of the next Barcelona manager becomes crucial. Success for Barcelona is synonymous with silverware, and with the upcoming return to the Camp Nou in November after the completion of the stadium’s construction project, the next hire must navigate both the high expectations for on-field performance and the off-field challenges.
While managers like Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, both with impressive trophy cabinets, are available, their styles may not align with Barcelona’s ethos and current needs. Conte, known for his demanding approach and preference for significant investments in experienced players, might clash with Barcelona’s focus on nurturing youth talent. Additionally, potential disagreements between Conte and President Joan Laporta over transfer strategies could lead to distractions, as witnessed with Xavi’s perceived lack of backing.
For Barcelona, finding a manager who not only brings success but also aligns with the club’s philosophy of youth development and careful stewardship is essential for long-term stability.
Mourinho’s potential candidacy for the Barcelona managerial role presents a unique challenge. Historically, only two managers, Enrique Fernandez and Radomir Antic, have overseen both Barcelona and Real Madrid during their careers. The football landscape during their tenures was vastly different, and introducing a manager with a strong Real Madrid connection might not be seen as the solution for stability at Barcelona.
Given the discussed challenges with accomplished free-agent managers like Antonio Conte, who may not align with Barcelona’s values, it becomes crucial to explore alternative candidates for the managerial position. Identifying individuals who can balance success with a commitment to Barcelona’s philosophy, especially in nurturing young talent, should be a priority when forming the shortlist for the next Barcelona manager.
Joachim Low
Joachim Low, another former Germany national team manager, has been absent from the managerial scene since his dismissal in 2021 following Die Mannschaft’s exit from the UEFA European Championships.
Notably, Low has not taken charge of a football club in nearly two decades, with his last coaching stint dating back to 2004 with Karlsruher SC. However, his significant achievements with the German national team, including the crowning moment of winning the World Cup in 2014, position him as a viable candidate for a possible short-term or caretaker role.
When will Xavi leave Barcelona?
Xavi has announced that he’ll resign as Barcelona Manager at the end of 2023-24 season.
Thiago Motta
Thiago Motta, the current manager of Bologna in Serie A and a former Barcelona midfielder, has demonstrated tactical acumen with Bologna, positioning the club within striking distance of a European spot through strategic approaches, sometimes relying on minimal goal margins. Motta’s pragmatism, coupled with the individual brilliance of players like Joshua Zirkzee, has propelled the team to new heights.
However, the prospect of Motta taking the helm at Barcelona raises concerns, primarily centered around the immense pressure associated with managing such a high-profile club. While Motta comprehends the Barcelona ethos, his past managerial stints at Genoa and Spezia were not particularly notable.
The scrutiny at Barcelona is unparalleled, and a challenging period could be particularly unforgiving for a manager. Xavi, too, faced difficulties handling public pressures at times, highlighting the unique challenges that come with managing a prestigious club like Barcelona. Whether Motta can navigate these pressures and protect players from them remains a crucial aspect to consider.
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola, having excelled with Rayo Vallecano, received a call from the Premier League, joining Bournemouth. Although his initial adjustment to English football seemed challenging, he swiftly found his footing, guiding the Cherries to play dynamic and exciting soccer through astute signings. Iraola’s impact is evident in the notable improvement of players like Dominic Solanke, showcasing his ability to elevate individual performances.
The intriguing aspect is that Iraola has been at Bournemouth since the summer, and depending on his contract terms, Barcelona might need to navigate a potential buyout. This could pose a financial challenge for Barcelona, especially as they aim to control spending. Bournemouth, on the other hand, may be reluctant to part with Iraola so soon after his appointment, making any potential move for him a complex negotiation.
Michel
Michel, currently managing Girona, and going toe-to-toe in the title race with Real Madrid has showcased his ability to extract peak performances from relatively unknown players, contributing to the team’s goal-scoring prowess. Despite occasional defensive vulnerabilities, the attacking style employed by Girona aligns with Michel’s tactics, exemplified by the success of players like Artem Dovbyk, who seamlessly integrated into the team from Dinipro-1 and is now a joint leader in the La Liga golden boot race.
The aggressive and dynamic playing style of Girona, orchestrated by Michel, could provide a refreshing change for Barcelona, especially considering instances where the team’s soccer this season has been perceived as stale. Additionally, Michel’s exposure within the City Football Group system enhances his managerial experience compared to others in similar positions. Notably, Girona demonstrated their capabilities by defeating Barcelona 4-2 in December.
Imanol Alguacil
Imanol Alguacil, despite not being the most prominent figure on the list, is familiar to the Barcelona hierarchy. According to reports, the club contemplated appointing Alguacil before ultimately selecting Xavi.
After leading Real Sociedad to victory in the Copa del Rey in 2021, the manager was considered for the position. Alguacil continues to achieve remarkable results with La Real, currently holding the sixth position in La Liga and securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.
However, a potential hurdle for Barcelona could be Alguacil’s longstanding association with Sociedad, as he may be hesitant to leave his current team for a new opportunity.
Rafa Marquez
Rafa Marquez, the current manager of Barcelona B, offers a convenient option for Barcelona to consider by elevating his role. With a background that includes playing alongside Xavi and managing within the club system, Marquez brings familiarity with sporting director Deco and President Laporta, suggesting the potential for a seamless working relationship. The fact that many of Barcelona’s current teenagers have come through Marquez’s system adds an advantage, showcasing his influence on player development.
However, similar to the appointment of Xavi, promoting Marquez would introduce an element of uncertainty regarding the soccer side. While the integration of youth players is notable, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee success at the top level. Opting for Marquez could be viewed as a risky decision, as managing a club at the highest level requires a different set of skills and experiences that may not be fully evident from his current role with Barcelona B.
Other Potential Replacements: Garcia Pimienta, Marcelo Gallardo
Las Palmas has emerged as one of the standout stories in La Liga this season, with Francisco Javier Garcia Pimienta playing a pivotal role in their success. Similar to others mentioned, Pimienta lacks experience with big clubs. Barcelona, facing challenges in their current situation, might find it difficult to attract a manager with extensive experience.
The strength of Las Palmas’ defense can be attributed to the outstanding performances of goalkeeper Alvaro Valles. Valles boasts the top number in La Liga for goals prevented, with a remarkable 12.12, surpassing the next closest by eight goals. However, the sustainability of the ninth-place club’s defensive record, having conceded 19 goals, may be questionable in the long term. Should Pimienta consider a move elsewhere, the presence of Valles might be a factor to consider.
As for Marcelo Gallardo, his managerial journey has taken a unique turn. Despite nurturing top talents like Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez at River Plate in Argentina, Gallardo found himself in an unusual managerial situation. After stepping down from managing River Plate in December 2022, it was anticipated that he would secure a top job or have something lined up. However, he spent almost a year without a managerial role before taking charge at Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, where he has managed nine games. While the possibility of luring him away from the Saudi Pro League exists, it could depend on the interest of a club and their willingness to make such a move.
