41-year-old Serie A manager could be an option for Barcelona if Xavi leaves – report

Following the 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has come under intense pressure.

Even though the Blaugrana are understood to retain their faith in the former midfielder, another misstep in the coming weeks could spell danger for him.

After all, the team appears to have stagnated after last season’s success and things have not been looking good on the pitch for a while now.

It is believed that Barça president Joan Laporta retains full trust in Xavi, but alternatives are being drawn up in case things get even worse in the weeks to come.

Thiago Motta could be an option

As such, former Barcelona and PSG midfielder and current Bologna manager Thiago Motta has emerged as an option to replace Xavi if the Catalans part ways with the latter, claims Adrian Sanchez on Mas Que Pelotas.

Motta, who spent eight years on Barça’s books as a player between 1999 and 2007, began his managerial stint with the PSG Under-19 setup in 2018 where he spent a year.

The 41-year-old then had a short, ill-fated stint at Genoa before taking over the reins at Spezia in 2021, where he lasted a year.

Motta has been in charge at Bologna since September 2022 and as per the report, those at Barcelona have been appreciating the work that the former Italian midfielder has done at the Serie A club in recent months.

Bologna are currently sixth in Serie A, just two points shy of fourth-placed Fiorentina. Given his past with Barcelona, Motta could be seen as an option by the hierarchy.

Rafa Marquez another option

Meanwhile, as has already been reported in the past, current Barcelona Atletic boss, Rafa Marquez, is seen as the Plan B should things change with Xavi in the weeks to come.

The former Barça defender is believed to have impressed those at the club with his work with the reserve team and a promotion may be on the cards, if Xavi is removed or opts to leave.

For now, though, everything points at Xavi being given time until the end of the season to get things back on track.