Barcelona next manager odds: Mourinho favourite to replace Xavi

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 28 Jan 2024 18:38 GMT
• 2 min read

Jose Mourinho has been installed as the bookmaker's favourite to replace Xavi as Barcelona's next permanent manager.

Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez is stepping down at the end of the season, which he announced on January 27.

The Blaugrana boss revealed his decision to leave his post at the post-match press conference after Barcelona were humiliated 5-3 by a Villarreal side that had been winless in four games.

Barcelona have endured a troubled 2023-24 season, falling well off the La Liga title race.

Mourinho is the favourite with Sky Bet to be the next manager of Barcelona, returning to the club he worked at as an assistant to Sir Bobby Robson and Louis Van Gaal in the 1990s. Mourinho is available after being sacked by Roma in January.

The second favourite is Jurgen Klopp, who announced in January that he will be stepping down from Liverpool at the end of the season. However, Klopp insists that he will take a year out, which would rule out an immediate move to Barcelona.

Third favourite is Roberto De Zerbi, who is regarded as the most exciting young manager in the world after performing heroics for Brighton over the last year or so.

Next up is Xabi Alonso, who has led Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title challenge this season. Alonso, however, was a former Real Madrid player so may not be so popular with Barcelona fans.

Completing the top five is Erik ten Hag, with Barcelona often appointing former Ajax managers at the club. Ten Hag is unlikely to stay at Man Utd in 2023-24.

Favourites to replace Xavi

Julian Nagelsmann is an option after his Germany contract expires after Euro 2024.

Meanwhile, Thiago Motta is performing wonders at Bologna and is a former Barcelona player.

Completing the top 10 are England manager Gareth Southgate and Arsenal's Mikel Arteta.