Barcelona using three ‘coach filters’ to look for a replacement for Xavi

A recent report from The Athletic has offered a detailed report on Barcelona’s managerial search, outlining potential candidates for the club in their bid to replace Xavi Hernandez this summer.

The report notably highlights three parameters Barcelona are looking at in their search for a new manager, with one of them even including options such as Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.

1. Elite coaches

In what can be described as the ‘elite category’, Barcelona are looking at established coaches such as Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Mikel Arteta.

These coaches tick every category Barcelona are looking for in their new manager. Two of them even have experience managing Barça in the past, while Arteta is a former player.

However, the report does clarify that none of these options are available for Barcelona this summer.

2. Man-management skills

In the second category, Barcelona are looking at coaches who excel at maintaining the harmony of the dressing room and add that extra motivation to the pitch.

These are also coaches who can get the best out of teams and build a cohesive unit that can work together as a team. One would imagine this list includes someone like Jurgen Klopp, though the German is unlikely to be available either.

3. Making players better

Another category for Barcelona’s search for a new manager, the club are looking at coaches that can get the best out of players.

These are coaches who have the technical and tactical knowledge to get the best out of any individual. The likes of Julian Nagelsmann, and Roberto De Zerbi may fit this category quite well, though the report has not singled out any names.

An ideal scenario for Barcelona, however, would be to convince Xavi to reverse his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.

Many personalities on the board, including President Joan Laporta, who is an ardent supporter of Xavi and want him to continue, despite some resistance from other members.