Surprise name for Barcelona job emerges as Jose Mourinho protege touted by club boss

Deco and Jose Mourinho at Porto | Pinterest

Surprise name for Barcelona job emerges as Jose Mourinho protege touted by club boss

Ayoola Kelechi 23:12 - 29.01.2024

Barcelona sporting director Deco could place one of his former teammates in the Blaugrana driving seat after Xavi leaves

According to Football Espana, Barcelona's search for a replacement for Xavi Hernandez, following his resignation, has become a topic of significant interest and speculation. 

The club's Sporting Director, Deco, is tasked with presenting favored options to the decision-making committee.

Sergio Conceicao and Other Potential Candidates

Other names that have been mentioned include Rafael Marquez, the Barca Atletic manager; Thiago Motta of Bologna; Michel Sanchez of Girona; and Imanol Alguacil of Real Sociedad. There were initial rumors about Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Germany's Hansi Flick, but these have since been dismissed by various sources. Thomas Tuchel, formerly of Chelsea, has also expressed interest in a move to Spain.

The Deco-Xavi Dynamic

Deco's role as the Sporting Director and his preference for Rafael Marquez, who currently manages Barcelona Atletic, is also worth noting. There seems to be a growing distance between Xavi and Deco, with President Joan Laporta's decision to give Deco full power in the process and his initial hesitance to appoint Xavi adding complexity to the situation. Despite these challenges, Deco and Laporta's alignment in their choice of a new manager will be crucial for Barcelona's future.

The dynamics within Barcelona's management and the decision-making process reflect the club's desire to maintain its high standards and competitive edge. The selection of Xavi's replacement will not only have immediate implications for the team's performance but also set the tone for the club's strategic direction in the coming years.