A fresh insight into the ongoing efforts of the powers that be at Spanish giants Barcelona to source a new head coach has been forthcoming this afternoon.
The info comes courtesy of Marca, who point towards a pair of clear frontrunners as having emerged in the race to replace Xavi.
First up comes Hansi Flick.
The German is a long-standing favourite of Barcelona president Joan Laporta, with his status as unattached to another club meaning negotiations over his appointment would likely prove relatively straightforward.
And joining Flick atop the Blaugrana’s wishlist is Roberto De Zerbi.
Italian tactician De Zerbi is appreciated for his attack-minded brand of football, as well as the fact that, at just 44, he maintains room for growth.
On the other hand, he is tied down to a contract with Brighton & Hove Albion, but in the case of Barca coming knocking, there is confidence that De Zerbi would do his part to ensure a deal is struck.
Turning attentions towards those not under consideration by the Camp Nou brass, front and centre is Thiago Motta.
Bologna boss Motta has been hotly tipped to take up the reins at Barcelona with a view to next season, owing both to his stellar exploits in Emilia-Romagna, and ties to the club from his Blaugrana past as a player.
Marca, though, assure that he has ‘never been an option’.
Elsewhere, the Jürgen Klopp trail has been abandoned, with the German having made clear his intention to take a year out from the game, whilst Mikel Arteta is viewed as a highly unlikely appointment, still fully committed to the cause at Arsenal.
Conor Laird | GSFN
