Barcelona board’s four options to replace Xavi with sacking possible

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Though Barcelona spent big back in the summer transfer window, that hasn’t stopped the La Liga giants from enduring a slow start to the campaign under Xavi. After deals for the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen, many expected them to challenge for the game’s biggest trophies again. Right now, however, that looks easier said than done…

Barcelona had gone into Sunday’s match with Real Madrid having lost just once in La Liga so far this season.

Yet a poor showing in a 3-1 defeat means they’re now trailing Carlo Ancelotti’s side by three points, with Los Blancos very much the favourites to win the crown.

It is in the Champions League where Barcelona have struggled most, however.

After budgeting with reaching the quarter-finals of the competition in mind, Barcelona are now facing the humiliating prospect of falling into the Europa League instead.

“If we don’t win, as the president said, there will be consequences, starting with me, Xavi said on Wednesday. “If we don’t win, another coach will come in. But I am going to give everything so that this works.”

So Express Sport will now take a look at four options if Xavi was to lose his job at Barcelona, something that seemed unthinkable mere months ago.

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Thomas Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel is currently out of work after losing his job at Chelsea last month.

However, though he was sacked over at Stamford Bridge, he’s still regarded as one of the best bosses in the game.

Tuchel did well at Borussia Dortmund, dominated French football with Paris Saint-Germain and also guided Chelsea to Champions League glory during his stint in the Blues dugout.

Out of all the managers Barcelona could hire, the German would potentially be the best pick.

That said, he’d also want control. And that’s something the Catalan giants may be reluctant to agree to given how Joan Laporta pulls the strings, as club president, behind the scenes.

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Mikel Arteta

Right now, it’d be hard to imagine Mikel Arteta leaving Arsenal.

The Spaniard has worked wonders at the Emirates and, after years of problems, the Gunners look like they may genuinely challenge for the Premier League title this term.

But Barcelona have a special and unique pulling power.

So, if they were to offer Arteta the job of a lifetime with certain promises, it’s feasible the former midfielder will jump at the chance.

Admittedly, however, it’s a long shot. Why leave Arsenal right now when there’s no guarantee he’d fare better than Xavi at Barcelona?

Roberto Martinez

Roberto Martinez is widely expected to leave his post as Belgium manager if they endure a disappointing World Cup in Qatar next month.

So Barcelona could, potentially, capitalise on his situation.

Martinez won’t leave the Red Devils before the biggest tournament of them all commences but if Xavi is sacked afterwards, instead of in recent times, then he’d be a candidate worth considering.

Barcelona chiefs thought about the former Wigan and Everton boss before hiring Xavi last November.

Therefore, reigniting their interest is something that can’t be entirely ruled out.

Marcelo Gallardo

One man who has been linked with the Barcelona job in recent years, without ever taking it, is Marcelo Gallardo.

The River Plate boss recently announced he’d be leaving the Argentine giants, who he’s won two Copa Libertadores with over the years.

He said: “In December my contract ends and it is one of the most difficult decisions of my life.

“It has been eight and a half years. I have to thank them for the opportunity and the total freedom they have given me in my work. I thank everyone: players, directors, supporters and all the people who have been with me.

“This is the end of my cycle. From December onwards I will no longer be at the club. It is one of the most difficult decisions of my life.”

Gallardo may be tempted to chance his arm in Europe next and Barcelona, as one of the biggest and riches clubs on the planet, would represent some opportunity.

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