The four tacticians currently at the top of the wishlist of La Liga giants Barcelona when it comes to taking up the managerial reins at the club this summer have today been named.
The info comes courtesy of Mundo Deportivo, who point towards Joan Laporta and Deco remaining fully intent on convincing Xavi to reverse his departure decision, to stay put for another season.
The Spaniard is therefore still viewed as the no.1 option for the Blaugrana bench in 2024/25.
Beyond Xavi, though, who are the current preferred options of those in a position of power in Catalunya’s capital?
As per the aforementioned MD, next up, somewhat surprisingly, comes Luis Enrique.
A former Barcelona headmaster himself, Enrique is considered the manager to tick the most boxes when it comes to the profile being sought by the reigning Spanish champions.
His ongoing contract with Paris Saint-Germain, however, makes any operation for the 53-year-old an altogether difficult one.
In turn, next on the list comes a more accessible tactician.
Hansi Flick is of course free of ties to any club at present, since being relieved of his duties as German national team boss last September.
And he is viewed as a favourable name by Joan Laporta, who remains highly appreciative of Flick’s successes whilst in the dugout at Bayern Munich.
Barca’s close ties with agent Pini Zahavi also bode well for the German.
Last up, meanwhile, is an in-house option, in the form of Rafa Márquez.
Though not viewed as favourably as those listed above owing to his lack of experience, ex-Blaugrana star Márquez’s work at youth level within the club is highly appreciated by those in the boardroom at the Camp Nou.
Should their efforts to land any of the aforementioned names prove fruitless, the Mexican could in turn be in line for a step up to the big leagues.
Conor Laird | GSFN
