In January, Xavi announced that he would be stepping down from his position as the head coach of Barcelona on June 30th, 2023. Here, we will analyze four potential replacements for his role.
Julian Nagelsmann
When it comes to finding the best candidate for the job at Barcelona, Julian Nagelsmann is undoubtedly one of the most interesting prospects. His ability to coach and lead a team is highly impressive, and he is widely considered to be a top contender for the position.
Nagelsmann has already made a name for himself through his remarkable performances as the coach of both Bayern and RB Leipzig. His unique style of play, inspired by Ralf Rangnick, is characterized by a combination of Gegenpressing and an intense, fast-attacking display – exactly what Barcelona needs to succeed.
With Nagelsmann’s arrival, players like Yamal and Roque can expect to see fantastic improvements in their game(His Germany contract also expires post Euros 2024).
Imanol Aguacil
Without a doubt, the current Real Sociedad manager is the perfect candidate for the Barcelona head coach position. His impressive work has led his team to the Champions League this season, and he has built a formidable core of players, including Zubimendi, Le Normand, and Kubo.
His major coaching achievement has been building a highly compact defence, and as a result, Real Sociedad boasts the best defensive record in the Champions League. His arrival at Barcelona would be a game-changer, as he would undoubtedly strengthen the team’s defense. However, it remains as a concern if he will be able to match the expectations and pressure at Barcelona.
Michel
The current coach of Girona is highly regarded due to his team’s impressive performance in the league. They are currently in second place just two points behind Real Madrid. The team plays creative football and follows the Cruyff principles. They have offered fans some exciting games, including a 4-2 win against Barcelona and a 4-3 victory over Atlético Madrid.
Despite being only their second season in the top flight of Spanish football, the team excels in wing play, triangle combinations on the pitch, and contributions from their fullbacks. In other words, Michel has all the qualities required to become the manager of Barcelona.
Hansi Flick
It appears that the board has identified him as the most promising candidate for the position. At present, he is a free agent, having previously been a key member of Bayern Munich’s legendary sextuple-winning team. He is a product of the renowned German school of football and could provide valuable insights into Barcelona’s attacking quandaries.
Regrettably, his defensive structure remains a significant concern, similar to the problematic situation that has often haunted Barcelona during crucial moments as his gameplan suffers if his team lacks the fitness to press for 90 minutes.
Barcelona faces a multitude of complex challenges that go beyond the exit of Xavi as their coach. To achieve success, the team needs to address a few critical areas. Firstly, they must focus on recruiting more precisely, identifying the right players that can fit the team’s style of play and contribute to their success.
Secondly, the team must find a solution for the defensive midfielder position, which is a critical component of their tactical setup. Thirdly, they need to make cost-effective signings that don’t financially burden the team. In addition to these, Barcelona should prioritize their La Masia academy as it has been a reliable source of talented players in the past.
The board has a crucial role to play in supporting the next coach appointment. They should provide assistance with transfers, helping to identify the right players that can strengthen the team. By addressing these critical areas, Barcelona can take the necessary steps towards success and ensure a bright future for the club.