Pep Guardiola will always be connected with Barcelona, but Joan Laporta does not see him coming to Camp Nou in 2024 as Xavi’s successor.
The Blaugrana will look for a new head coach this summer. That is because club great Xavi, who supervised a La Liga title victory last season, has indicated that he would stand down after failing to provide consistent performances and results in 2023-24.
WHAT LAPORTA SAID ABOUT GUARDIOLA
Various candidates have been mooted to fill the prominent post, from Jose Mourinho to Hansi Flick, but Guardiola would be a popular choice among a demanding fanbase. He is, however, tied to a deal at Premier League giants Manchester City through to 2025 and Laporta has told RAC1 when asked if there is any chance of the Catalan native retracing steps to his spiritual home: “He has a contract with Manchester City and he respects contracts. I speak often with him and I know what the club thinks about him.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Barcelona will not be rushing their next appointment, with Xavi set to see the season out even if major silverware proves elusive. Laporta added: “I want Xavi to continue until the end of the season. If he continues until the end, it’s up to him. I’m not going to sack him no matter what. He doesn’t deserve it. He deserves that we trust him. We are not throwing in the towel in the league, in the Champions League we face Napoli, but Xavi is very motivated. I have no doubts about Xavi and the motivation and commitment of players. Xavi is honest and if the formula doesn’t work, he would say so.”
WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
Barca sit fourth in La Liga as things stand, 10 points adrift of Clasico rivals Real Madrid at the summit, and have three domestic games to take in – starting with a trip to Alaves on Saturday – before facing Serie A giants Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter on February 21.
