Girona head coach Michel has this evening spoken out over the possibility of replacing Xavi at La Liga rivals Barcelona this summer.
The subject of the hotseat in Catalunya, of course, has dominated the headlines across all of Europe over the last 24 hours.
This comes after the aforementioned Xavi dropped a bombshell, in announcing his decision to step down upon the campaign’s close.
“I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barça. I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation,” he confirmed.
So, the question, of course, now becomes just who exactly is in line to replace Xavi on the touchline at Barcelona?
A whole host of coaches are no doubt set to be tipped for the post over the weeks and months ahead, from Jürgen Klopp to Pep Guardiola to Mikel Arteta.
And, as alluded to above, on Sunday, another such tactician has been drawn on the prospect of taking up the reins in Catalunya.
The man in question? Michel.
Fresh off guiding his side back to the top of the La Liga table courtesy of a hard-fought victory at Celta Vigo, Girona’s headmaster was pressed on the Blaugrana post by the awaiting media.
The Spaniard, however, was quick to pour cold water on the speculation, adamant that he intends to honour his contract with Girona:
“I am focused on Girona. Xavi is the person who knows FC Barcelona best. I have a contract until 2026, so nada. Xavi is Barça.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
