Pep Guardiola, the former Barcelona player and current Manchester City manager, has shared his opinion on who should take over as the new manager at Barcelona following Xavi’s departure announcement.
Xavi, a Barcelona legend, disclosed in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season due to the perceived need for a change in direction. Barcelona currently lags eight points behind Real Madrid in La Liga, and they are grappling with financial challenges off the field.
Also Read This: Real Madrid Faces Valencia in Critical La Liga Showdown
In the wake of Xavi’s decision, speculation has been rife about his successor at Camp Nou. Guardiola, who is often consulted by the club for managerial decisions, recently provided his advice to Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta.
According to reports from TMW, Guardiola has strongly endorsed Roberto de Zerbi, the current manager of Brighton, as the ideal candidate to replace Xavi in the summer. De Zerbi’s name has been circulating in connection with the job, given his success in transforming Brighton into a formidable team.
Pep Guardiola Recommendation
Guardiola’s recommendation is not surprising, as he has previously praised De Zerbi for the ‘wonderful football’ displayed during his tenure at Brighton. There are also indications that Guardiola envisions De Zerbi as a potential future manager for Manchester City.
De Zerbi’s notable achievements include guiding Brighton to an impressive sixth place in the Premier League last season and securing qualification for the Europa League. Currently, they are competing in the last-16 against AS Roma and are positioned seventh in the league, aiming for a second consecutive year of European qualification.
Also Read This: Bayern Munich’s Title Quest Stumbles in 2,000th Bundesliga Battle
Despite De Zerbi’s candidacy, other strong contenders for the Barcelona managerial role include Hansi Flick and Thomas Tuchel. While Flick and Tuchel boast greater European pedigrees, they lack the endorsement of a club legend, unlike De Zerbi.
In conclusion, Guardiola’s recommendation adds weight to the speculation surrounding De Zerbi’s potential move to Barcelona. The decision ultimately lies with the club, considering other experienced candidates vying for the coveted position.
Q1: Who did Pep Guardiola suggest as Xavi’s replacement at Barcelona?
A1: Pep Guardiola endorsed Roberto de Zerbi, the current manager of Brighton, as the ideal candidate to replace Xavi at Barcelona.
Q2: Why did Xavi decide to leave Barcelona?
A2: Xavi announced his departure from Barcelona at the end of the season, expressing the belief that a change in the club’s direction was necessary.
Q3: How successful has Roberto de Zerbi been at Brighton?
A3: De Zerbi led Brighton to a remarkable sixth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, securing qualification for the Europa League.
Q4: What are the challenges facing Barcelona both on and off the pitch?
A4: Barcelona is currently eight points behind Real Madrid in La Liga and is grappling with financial difficulties off the field.
Q5: Are there other contenders for the Barcelona managerial position?
A5: Yes, besides De Zerbi, Hansi Flick and Thomas Tuchel are strong contenders, though they lack the backing of a club legend like De Zerbi.
Also Read This: Messi’s Inter Miami Gears Up for Epic Showdown Against Orlando City