Final bench decision

FC Barcelona is in the final stages of a season that, unexpectedly, will end with an important decision on the table for the board it leads. Joan Laporta: who will be the coach for the final phase of his mandate, which ends in 2026.

Until last week, everyone suggested that the occupant of the bench next season would be Xavi Hernandezratified on April 25 in a massive event by Laportathe sports vice president Rafa Yuste and the sports director, decorationbefore the sports commission and the other board of directors.

However, some statements from Xavi which made the president feel terrible Reporter Given the team’s chances of competing next season against the mighty Real Madrid, they left the coach in a more than compromised position. And it was that Laporta He still maintains his intention to fire her next week, despite the fact that some influential voices have recommended that he reconsider his decision because of what it might entail in terms of image and financial waste. And that’s to say goodbye to Xavi It already has 20 million people inside.

All at the expense of a face-off between the president, who is now ill, and the coach, which in theory should take place next week and which Reporter must be informed Xavi that doesn’t depend on him. Of course, when it comes to two emotional people who speak without mincing words, we have to see if the divorce points end like this or becomes reconciliation again.

Good relationship with Deco and Laporta

Marquez ended the contract

In any case, in this context there are two coaches in the club room just in case. Xavi it will finish coming out. One is Rafael Marquez (45 years old), who is having a very good campaign with Barça Atlètic, which he put in the promotion playoffs without relying on the youngsters who strengthened the first team as Lamine Yamal, Cubarsí and Hector Fort. The Mexican meets a requirement that pleases Reporter: As a former Barça player, he trained in coaching the reserve team, where he was there for two seasons. Marquez His contract is expiring and Barça should offer him a renewal, but it will depend on whether he is chosen to be replaced Xavi. Have a good relationship with decoration and with Reporter and meet young people from subsidiary and youth groups.

The other most reasonable option for the bench is Hansi Flick (59 years old). Represented by Pini Zahavifriend of Reporter, has in his favor the record of winning a sextet at Bayern and being the German coach. Against that he does not know the idiosyncrasies of the club, the formative football and the language. There are also Barça believers included Marquez It is easier to maintain most of the planning that has already been done than to a flip which may be less flexible.