Barcelona’s four options to replace struggling Xavi
FT Desk
- 19 Oct 2022 18:45 BST
- 3 min read
The season is only just warming up, but Xavi is already in serious trouble at Barcelona.
The Camp Nou legend made a positive impact during a difficult term in 2021-22 after replacing Ronald Koeman, and big things were expected this time round following a huge transfer outlay on the Catalans' part.
But Sunday's Clasico defeat to Real Madrid and Barca's likely elimination from the Champions League group stage have heaped pressure onto the coach two months in to the campaign.
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Xavi's status as an idol in Catalunya should buy him at least a little time to prove himself in the job, and there is enough talent in this Barca squad to make possible a rapid reversal of fortunes in the weeks and months to come.
But the clock is ticking, and no shortage of big names will be on hand should Barca decide to part ways with one of their favourite sons.
Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel is currently out of work after suffering dismissal at the start of the season from Chelsea.
His track record will be of interest at Barca, particularly his record as a winner of the Champions League, the competition which the Catalans are desperate to recapture after seven years of disappointment.
The German reached the final with Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and then took Chelsea to the title the following year, marking him out as something of a European specialist.
His final days at Stamford Bridge were marked by reports of rifts with the dressing room, however, an aspect of Tuchel's management style which would not be welcome at Camp Nou.
Mikel Arteta
A product of Barca's own La Masia youth academy, Arteta certainly knows the club - while the steady improvement Arsenal have shown under his stewardship is also testament to the work carried out by the promising young manager.
Arsenal would certainly fight to keep him at the Emirates Stadium, making Arteta an outside bet for the job should Xavi be shown the door.
Marcelo Gallardo
Gallardo is finally a free agent, having bid farewell to River Plate this week after eight trophy-laden years in charge.
The Argentine's name has come up several times in relation to the Barca job only for him to remain loyal to his employers in Buenos Aires, though taking on a club of the Catalans' stature for his first post in Europe would represent a monumental challenge.
Roberto Martinez
Martinez is currently gearing up for the 2022 World Cup with Belgium, meaning that no switch would be possible until after the finals at the very earliest.
But after six years in international management the former Everton boss may decide the time is right to return to the club game, regardless of how Belgium fare in Qatar.
Martinez had been considered for the Barcelona post last year prior to Xavi's appointment and he could well be in the running again if the coach is relieved of his duties.
