Barcelona president denies contact with two managerial targets out of respect for Xavi
Joan Laporta’s interview this week delved into topics that have been on the media headlines for a long time now, thus providing information on the club’s stance on several issues.
One such burning topic that the Barcelona president addressed was the future of Xavi beyond this season.
Laporta admitted that he hoped to see the manager continue, but also outlined what his board was looking for in a potential replacement.
Laporta comments on two targets
As part of the same interview conducted by Mundo Deportivo, Laporta was specifically quizzed if he fancied the name of Luis Enrique as a potential replacement for Xavi.
“I like Luis Enrique, he’s very good but we didn’t speak to him or any other coach as we respect Xavi,” he said, calmly deflecting the question.
He was then asked about Hansi Flick’s chances of coming to Catalonia, especially considering the German’s long-standing links with the managerial post.
“Pini Zahavi offering Hansi Flick? I’m good friends with Pini and with Jorge Mendes. They are the agents I know the most from my past. But I have told them: Don’t insist because we will be with Xavi until the end of the season.”
On the club’s stance
While Barcelona were initially linked with several names including Flick, Roberto de Zerbi, Jurgen Klopp, and Julian Nagelsmann, the topic has now faded out of the media hinting towards a cooling of interest from the club.
Laporta admitted that he indeed was not very focused on finding a new manager as it stands, for he nested his complete faith in Xavi.
“I say that whoever wants to come to Barça will have to wait until the end because we are not going to touch anything until Xavi makes the decision.”
“If Xavi decides to leave, those who really want to come to Barça will have to wait and will wait. If they don’t wait, it’s okay, we have a solution,” he said, closing the doors to a hurried appointment.
