Barcelona’s managerial situation should at least move towards a resolution next week, when Xavi Hernandez will meet with President Joan Laporta. What happens beyond that, nobody, and by following the breadcrumbs that includes Laporta and company, knows what will happen.
That meeting between the two will not just be between Laporta and Xavi though, but instead will feature the rest of the sporting commission, including Sporting Director Deco, who is preparing a report on his performance across the season. Unofficial advisor Alejandro Echevarria will also be there.
⚪️⚫️ Juventus are confident to get Thiago Motta deal done soon in order to appoint him as new head coach.
No negotiations currently ongoing between Juve and any other manager despite links; focus remains on Thiago Motta.
Contract already on the table for weeks, up to Thiago. pic.twitter.com/FO2xKkgtPV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 22, 2024
The word is that Laporta and Deco are both still keen to replace Xavi this summer, but they will have to work out a way of persuading him to reduce his payout, as it is rumoured to be somewhere between €15-20m including his staff.
Meanwhile after Mauricio Pochettino’s exit at Chelsea, former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick was suggested as a candidate, but MD say that Flick will not listen to any offers until the Barcelona position is resolved. Meanwhile Deco is reportedly keen on promoting Rafael Marquez from the Barca Atletic side, but Laporta and those around him are big fans of Thiago Motta, say Sport.
🚨 President Laporta likes Thiago Motta's style. @sport
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 22, 2024
The ex-Barcelona midfielder looks set to leave Bologna at the end of the season, after qualifying the Rossoblu for the Champions League. All signs suggest that Juventus will be his destination, according to reports in Italy, but Barcelona could test the waters late on.
Until Xavi’s future is resolved, there is little that Barcelona can do though. To a certain extent, Xavi has Laporta and Deco over a barrel, knowing that the Blaugrana would far rather avoid paying out €20m to get rid of him, taking into account the financial situation. It may well come down to how much Xavi wants to continue, and how much he reproaches Laporta for such a sudden loss of faith.
“To a certain extent, Xavi has Laporta and Deco over a barrel”
Well that certainly paints an unpleasant picture. What IS pleasant however is the hopeless situation barcelongoloids put themselves into.
How about a suggestion, Im not an unreasonable man. I suggest another round of levers for approximate cost of 660mil, so another 30% of future income will be hamstrung. Why, that worked great (for one season) keep loaning money till you make it, maybe you will score three trophies in three years this time, surely it couldnt get any worse? (Psst dont tell laPorka its a non world-cup year, it will be our little surprise, and its not like he cares anyway its not his own money)
PAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Scallywag