– I would like to announce that I will leave FC Barcelona on June 30. I’ve had this decided for a few days and I think this is the right time to say it. This club needs a change of dynamics – announced Xavi Hernandez at the end of January, when his FC Barcelona lost at home to Villarreal 3:5.
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For over two weeks, the Spanish media have been reporting on other coaches who may take over after Xavi. The candidates included: Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso, Ralf Rangnick, Hansi Flick and Roberto De Zerbi.
For a long time, it seemed that Flick, who has been out of work since being fired as the coach of the German national team, had the greatest chance. However, new information about the Barcelona coach was provided by Javier Miguel from the “AS” daily.
FC Barcelona has found its dream coach. There is only one obstacle – the clause
The journalist reported that “the chosen one is Roberto De Zerbi.” The Italian Brighton coach is to be, according to the FC Barcelona authorities, “the best option to replace Xavi”. At the same time, Miguel pointed out that De Zerbi’s contract with the English club includes a release clause of EUR 10 million, which Barcelona does not intend to pay.
On Wednesday, the first talks between the Italian’s agents and Barcelona’s sports director, Deco, took place. The meeting lasted three hours (the future of Ronald Araujo was also discussed). Agents have asked the Catalan club to be patient as they believe De Zerbi will be able to leave Brighton without paying the clause. They just need to come to an agreement with the English. This was to satisfy the Barca management, who assured that if this condition was met, the 44-year-old would be the coach of FC Barcelona from July 1.
And where is Hansi Flick in all this? The German also has his supporters in the Barcelona authorities, but currently he remains a “reserve option”. Finally, Miguel emphasized that Flick and De Zerbi are the only candidates considered by FC Barcelona.
However, this is all in the future, and FC Barcelona must fight to stay at the top of La Liga. Currently, Xavi’s team is third in the table and ten points behind first-place Real Madrid. Barcelona will play its next match on Saturday evening, when it will face Celta Vigo away at 6:30 p.m. The report from the meeting will be available on Sport.pl and in the Sport.pl LIVE mobile application.