This year has been quite tough on FC Barcelona. The Spanish giant is constantly facing an uphill battle in its domestic season. As they continue to navigate through the rough seas, fingers have been raised at head coach Xavi. Amidst the uncertainty, the club already has a Plan B, as they are reported to have a backup manager ready to step in! While being 7 points off the top of the table, Joan Laporta and Co. have reportedly started contemplating the midfielder-turned-coach’s future role.

In fact, as per USMNT legend and ESPN pundit Herculez Gomez, should Xavi Hernandez face dismissal or decide to step down, the club is inclined not to look beyond its ranks for a new manager. So who will it be? 

Well, Mexican legend Rafa Marquez is poised to take charge under the watchful eye of Joan Laporta. The former center-back is currently coaching the club’s youth side, Barcelona Atletic. Before this, he coached 3rd-division side, RSD Alcala, for a few months after leaving his sporting director role at Atlas. While it’s great to be linked to the biggest jobs, his current season record doesn’t seem too convincing, considering a potential upgrade to the senior team.

In 19 games, Marquez’s Atletic side has managed to win 8, draw 4, and lose 7 matches. Meanwhile, in a total of 119 games, Xavi lost 24 matches, the second-most in the history of Barca’s coach. Perhaps Marquez would do the job well, but is he a long-term option? While Xavi continues to face criticism, the Spanish coach has unexpectedly found an ally. 

Ancelotti believes Xavi is doing an ‘optimal job’ at Barcelona

Earlier, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti denied that Xavi’s job was on the line. In a press conference, he said, “Xavi is doing an optimal job. He doesn’t have the experience I have, because he’s very young. His career is very good, it helps him to be one of the best midfielders in the world. The idea of how he saw football is helping him.”

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While this praise would have been a major morale boost to Xavi, it came of no use as his side got battered 4-1 by their arch-rivals in the Spanish Supercup. However, just hours ago, they came back on track by progressing through the RO16 of the Copa del Rey, clinching a 1-3 victory against the Unionistas. But, will such wins keep coming?

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