Another former member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona has been linked with the soon-to-be vacant Barca Atlètic job.
This comes as club icon Rafael Márquez prepares to bid the Catalans farewell.
As confirmed by a number of reliable sources in the Spanish media this weekend, Márquez, widely hailed for his work on the touchline with Barca Atlètic, is all set for a return to his home country.
As much comes after the Mexican was offered the position of El Tri assistant manager, through the summer of 2026.
Not only that, but, from there on out, he is in line to take up the heading coaching reins from Javier Aguirre.
News of Márquez’s impending exit has come as something of a bombshell for those behind the scenes at Barcelona, who only recently convinced their one-time stopper to extend his stay with the club for a further 12 months.
As per a report from Mundo Deportivo, a frantic search for his replacement has therefore been kicked into gear.
This comes with the Blaugrana’s reserve team due to begin pre-season preparations next Monday.
And amongst the early contenders for the role, it is understood, is Juliano Belletti.
Tactician Belletti – most famous for netting the winner in Barca’s Champions League final downing of Arsenal back in 2006 – recently took over the U19 outfit in Catalunya.
The Brazilian could be in line for an immediate promotion, though, stepping in for Márquez at the helm at Barca Atlètic.
Conor Laird | GSFN
