Report: Marquez among candidates to replace Xavi at Barcelona
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There's growing support in the Barcelona hierarchy for Rafa Marquez to replace Xavi as head coach of the first team, according to ESPN's Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens.
The Mexican, 45, was initially only viewed as an interim option should Xavi - who's set to depart this summer - not finish the season. Sporting director Deco ruled Marquez out as a long-term hire in February. However, after exploring several high-profile candidates - including outgoing Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel and former Germany coach Hansi Flick - it's reportedly become clear that it'll be hard to tempt an experienced tactician to Barcelona while the club is limited financially.
That would apparently be less of an issue for Marquez, who already oversees some of Barcelona's younger contingent with the club's B team. He's voiced his wish to be the Blaugrana manager and has already enjoyed success in Catalonia with four La Liga titles, two Champions League winners' medals, and other major honors through seven seasons playing for Barcelona.
There was some hope that Xavi - who's under contract until 2025 - would change his mind and remain at the helm, according to Marsden and Llorens. But the ex-midfielder would've left at the end of the season even if Barca weren't eliminated from the Champions League quarterfinals at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, a source told ESPN. Additionally, overturning the eight-point gap behind Real Madrid and winning La Liga reportedly wouldn't encourage Xavi to perform a U-turn.
Barcelona also discussed the prospect of appointing Brighton & Hove Albion's Roberto de Zerbi but were deterred by the complicated and likely expensive process of plucking Mikel Arteta from Arsenal, Marsden and Llorens report.
During his two years with Barcelona's B team, Marquez has coached Pau Cubarsi, Hector Fort, Marc Guiu, and other graduates from La Masia who are making an impression with the senior ranks. The former defender's current deal expires this summer.