Could Pep Guardiola return to Barcelona? Is Antonio Conte an option for the Blaugrana? How does Hansi Flick feel about coaching the LaLiga giants? And could Julian Nagelsmann become available?
Here are the latest rumors around Barcelona‘s search for Xavi’s replacement as manager.
No discussions between Barcelona, Antonio Conte
Fabrizio Romano quelled any rumors of Antonio Conte joining Barcelona in the near future, stating that there are no discussions between both parties and there is no truth to the notion that he has been offered to the LaLiga powerhouse.
Barcelona need the right manager to replace Xavi, and it’s unclear if Conte would be a clear upgrade, given the volatile nature of his recent break-up with Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Tottenham.
Conte’s lack of success with Spurs has to be taken in context, but with Ange Postecoglou shining, that doesn’t necessarily reflect well on the former Juventus star.
Still, his resumé speaks for itself – and not just with his successes in Serie A or as the Italian national team coach. Conte was quite good for Chelsea before flaming out.
Barcelona probably need a more consistent, steady manager to commit to the project, rather than someone whose ego could easily clash with Joan Laporta’s and Deco’s.
Hansi Flick excited about possibility of coaching Barça
Per top insider Fabrizio Romano, former Bayern Munich and German national team manager Hansi Flick would love to be the next manager of Barcelona.
Flick is said to be learning Spanish in preparation for taking the job, and it seems like the fit with Barcelona intrigues Flick more than possibly waiting for rivals Real Madrid; they remain committed to veteran Carlo Ancelotti anyway.
Stylistically, Flick’s aggressive playing style and desire to utilize the center backs heavily in build-up phases – such as with David Alaba in Bavaria – likely appeal to the Blaugrana.
Out of all the free agent managers, Antonio Conte and José Mourinho included, Flick is the best one. His incredible 2019/20, treble-winning season has not been forgotten, especially not by Culers (8-2).
Barcelona watching Julian Nagelsmann situation closely
According to a report from Diario Sport, Barcelona are watching German national team manager Julian Nagelsmann’s situation closely in case the former Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig coach were to leave the position.
Nagelsmann’s contract is only through the 2024 European Championships, and judging by how quickly Hansi Flick was ousted, it’s possible his successor at Bayern doesn’t last long either.
It would be a shame for Nagelsmann to lose two high-profile coaching jobs so quickly, especially since time has proven that he should have never been fired from Bayern in the first place. Imagine how they’d look with him coaching Harry Kane.
Nagelsmann’s reputation has not suffered in the slightest. On paper, the young coach is the ideal man to lead Barcelona to a new era, especially with so many exciting young players within their ranks like Gavi, Pedri, and new breakout forward Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona not in talks with Pep Guardiola
In an interview with Catalunya Ràdio, Barcelona sporting director Deco quieted any links between the Blaugrana and legendary figure Pep Guardiola, “We are not speaking to any manager, really. Zero talks. Pep Guardiola is under contract with another club, I’d never speak about him – it’d be disrespectful for Man City.”
Deco has maintained that Barça have never opened discussions with any manager, but it was especially important for him to specifically discuss Guardiola, given how media would immediately link a return upon learning of Xavi’s future resignation.
Guardiola is committed to Manchester City. Barcelona will always be the most special club to him, as he grew there as a player and manager, achieving the pinnacle of success there with Lionel Messi.
However, he’s also special to City and in the beginning stages of truly flourishing with the project, having just won the Champions League with them for the first time. There’s just about no chance of him going back to Barça.
Former editor of The Real Champs and Old Juve, covering Real Madrid and Juventus
