Xavi’s Champions League dream turned into a nightmare as Barcelona were eliminated at the quarter-final stage after a 4-1 second-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Rafa Marquez is rumored to be Barcelona’s new first-team manager, with the club ready to abandon their pursuit of Ruben Amorim in favor of their former player. Marquez, who has coached Barca’s B team to success, has been named ‘The Chosen One’ by Barcelona chiefs and is willing to take the job, leaving Liverpool with less competition for Amorim, who has been linked with a move to a top European club after his successful tenure at Sporting Lisbon. Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and former Bayern Munich and Germany boss Hansi Flick were also considered as potential successors to Xavi, but Amorim emerged as the frontrunner.
Ilkay Gundogan criticized his Barcelona teammates after their Champions League exit, while Xavi revealed his conversations with the referee after receiving a red card. Following Barcelona’s defeat to PSG, Marquez is reportedly ready and waiting to succeed Xavi as the new manager, with the club’s hierarchy previously hoping to convince Xavi to change his mind about leaving. Marquez has shown his ability to develop young talents at Barcelona B, with several players impressing after working under him in the club’s famed ‘La Masia’ setup. Marquez’s potential appointment as the manager has been welcomed by many Barcelona fans, with the former captain expressing his willingness to take on the role if given the opportunity.
Ruben Amorim, the Sporting Lisbon boss, is a top candidate for the Liverpool job, with Barca turning their attention to Marquez. Amorim, who has been linked with a move to Anfield, has led Sporting Lisbon to success in Portugal and has denied any verbal agreement with Liverpool. However, speculation continues to surround his future, with Barcelona’s interest in him potentially opening the door for Liverpool to pursue other managerial options. Marquez, who was previously considered as an interim option for Barcelona when Xavi was struggling, is now seen as a serious contender for the permanent job, with his coaching credentials and Barca heritage making him an appealing choice for the club.
Marquez has expressed his desire to coach Barcelona and sees the opportunity to take charge of the club as a natural progression in his coaching career. With two successful seasons at Barcelona B under his belt, Marquez believes he has the experience and knowledge to lead the first team and continue the club’s legacy of nurturing young talents. While Xavi’s departure creates a void in Barcelona’s coaching setup, Marquez’s potential appointment has been well received by fans and could signal a new chapter for the club under his leadership. As the managerial carousel continues in European football, the focus now shifts to whether Liverpool will pursue Amorim or explore other options to fill their vacant managerial position.
In conclusion, Barcelona’s Champions League exit has led to rumors of Rafa Marquez becoming the new manager, potentially opening the door for Liverpool to pursue Ruben Amorim. Marquez’s coaching credentials, coupled with his history at the club as a player, make him a strong candidate to take over from Xavi. Amorim’s successful tenure at Sporting Lisbon has attracted interest from top clubs, with Barcelona considering him before turning to Marquez. The managerial merry-go-round in European football continues, with fans eagerly awaiting the next steps for Barcelona and Liverpool as they look to shape their futures under new leadership.
