Big-name Premier League winner throws his name in the ring for Barca job

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 8 Feb 2024 12:23 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona are on the lookout for a replacement for head coach Xavi, who has announced his intention to step down from his position at the end of the season.

The ex-midfielder led Barcelona to the LaLiga title last season but the club have been well off Real Madrid’s pace in the league this term.

Following the 3-5 home defeat at the hands of Villarreal in January, Xabi announced his decision to step aside.

It was not the only heavy defeat suffered by the side this term with Girona winning against Barca 4-2 in December, Real Madrid downing the Catalans 4-1 in the Spanish Super Cup and Athletic Bilbao putting them out of the Copa Del Rey by a 4-2 scoreline.

Barca's fading glory

Top stars like Robert Lewandowski have been off the boil while the mean defence of last season is long gone. Having only conceded 20 goals throughout the entirety of the 2022-23 LaLiga campaign, they have already shipped 30 in the league this term.

A change is required and Barca sporting director Deco is assessing the candidates to come into Camp Nou next summer.

Financial constraints mean any new incoming coach will be working with one hand tied behind his back but star names have nonetheless been linked.

Hansi Flick, the former Bayern Munich and Germany boss, is one name on the list along with compatriot Jurgen Klopp.

The Liverpool manager is leaving at the end of the season but it will be a tough ask to persuade him to move straight back into the rigours of top-level football.

Rafa Marquez, the former Barca defender and current coach of the Barcelona Atletic team, is also in the frame, as is Mikel Arteta, Thiago Motta and Roberto de Zerbi.

And now Sport is reporting another high-profile candidate has thrown his hat in the ring.

Antonio Conte has not worked since his Tottenham tenure fell apart last March but he has now reportedly offered his services to Barca and would be willing to speak to the club about taking over.

Conte, who has topped Serie A with Inter and the Premier League with Chelsea, is a proven winner but is not someone Barca currently have in their crosshairs.

He does, however, have a proven track record and could be an outstanding - and available - candidate should Deco and Barca decide to move for him.