The Catalan newspaper Sport indicated that Barcelona’s exit from the Champions League will accelerate the planning process for next season, as Joan Laporta wants to complete the selection of the new coach after the El Clásico match with Real Madrid on April 21.
The newspaper confirmed that Xavi’s continuation is currently unlikely, and it is expected that he will leave at the end of the season due to his refusal to change the decision to leave, in addition to the negative results that may make his departure immediate.
Consequently, the club will begin searching for a new coach, and according to the report, Rafa Marquez is considered the best to take this position due to his brilliance with the reserve team and his knowledge of the club’s economic conditions and its young players.
The newspaper indicated that the crew will include Albert Sanchez as assistant, Giuliano Belletti as second assistant, Unai Alba as goalkeeper coach, and Mark Giart as physical trainer.
A spokesman for the Catalan club also said that nominating Marquez, since Xavi announced his desire not to continue with the team next season, is “a natural thing.”
In any case, the Catalan team has not yet begun to search for a new coach for next season, because this usually only happens at the end of the season, as Xavi is expected to leave, as he repeated on several occasions.
The same source said: “Marquez is the closest choice. He will be one of the candidates for the position when the time is right.”