Barcelona president wants to approach Jurgen Klopp to replace Xavi – report
With Xavi set to leave Barcelona at the end of the season, the hunt for his replacement is already underway at the Catalan club.
Numerous names have already been mentioned as possible options, with the likes of Hansi Flick (unattached), Michel (Girona), Imanol Alguacil (Real Sociedad), Thiago Motta (Bologna), and Rafael Marquez (Barça Atletic) all under consideration.
But the most prominent name on Barcelona’s list of potential successors for Xavi is that of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
The German tactician has announced that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season and is planning on taking a sabbatical. But Barça are hoping to convince him to take over the reins at the club once Xavi moves on.
Laporta wants to approach Klopp
Now, a report from TV3 (h/t Actualite Barça) is reporting that Barcelona president Joan Laporta has admitted to his inner circle that the club should try and call Jurgen Klopp to discuss the possibility of him managing the Catalans.
As per the update, the Barcelona president has long preferred a German manager – like Klopp or Flick. In fact, it has previously been mentioned that the 56-year-old has always been the dream candidate of Laporta.
As such, even though the situation would be complicated, Laporta told his circle of trusted people that they should call Klopp to see what he thought of taking over at Barcelona.
Deco leading the search
Barcelona sporting director Deco is spearheading the search for the man to replace Xavi at the club next season. But the final say will be with Laporta.
Recent reports suggest that Sergio Conceicao of Porto could be a serious candidate, considering that Deco approves of him and his agent, Jorge Mendes, has close ties with Laporta.
But, it appears that the Barça president will try and convince Klopp about taking over once Xavi steps away, even though he understands that the matter is complicated.
