Barcelona has compiled a shortlist of five managers to replace Xavi.

According to the cover story of the Spanish daily SPORT, Barcelona has put together a shortlist of five potential candidates to replace Xavi as head coach for the upcoming season.

This list contains Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Tuchel, Hansi Flick, Rafa Marquez, and Thiago Motta.

The decision to look for new managers comes as Xavi faces criticism from the club's management for statements he made concerning Barcelona's financial situation.

Joan Laporta, the club's president, has opted to take a week off to deliberate on the issue, adding to the team's uncertainties. The players are eager to learn what the plan for the coming season will be, and they desire consistency in the club's direction.

Marquez and Flick's favourites?

Despite the financial issues, Barcelona's administration is considering its options. Marquez and Flick appear to be the strongest of the five prospects.

The Mexican has impressed with his efforts in the youth team, and Flick is presently available because he is not affiliated with any club, making talks simple.

De Zerbi, who is now at Brighton, has announced that he will leave at the end of this season. However, there are rumors that he may be returning to Italy, with possible places at Juventus or Milan.

How about Tuchel and Motta?

Tuchel, who is slated to depart Bayern Munich after placing third this season, is another contender.

Although Bayern Munich has offered him the opportunity to stay, with support from the team's dressing room, Tuchel has denied the offer since he does not want to continue there.

Thiago Motta, who presently manages Bologna, has also been mentioned as a prospective possibility. However, Motta's representative claimed that he prefers not to offer himself to clubs that already have a manager, implying that a move is unlikely.

As of yet, nothing is certain about Xavi's future or the appointment of a new manager at Barcelona. However, if they decide to move on from Xavi, these five men are regarded viable options for the position.

Comments

La Liga Standings Shake-Up: What to Expect from Midweek Matchday 6.

Midweek fixtures in La Liga often act as a catalyst for change in the table, and Matchday 6 in the 2026–27 season promises to be one of those pivotal moments where the narrative of the title race begins to crystallise. By this stage, the early-season inconsistencies have started to fade, teams have found their rhythm and the gap between the genuine contenders and the rest begins to widen. This round is not just about collecting three points; it is about momentum, psychological advantage and the subtle shifts that can define a season. With several top clubs facing tricky opponents, the standings could look significantly different by the time the final whistle blows across Spain’s stadiums. The context of this matchday is especially important. The international break has just concluded, meaning players return with varying levels of fatigue, confidence and fitness. Some will have featured heavily for their national teams, others will have been rested, and a few may have picked up minor kn...

The Final Verdict: Chelsea's 2017 Title Will Not Be Revoked by the FA or Premier League.

The persistent online rumour that Chelsea’s 2017 Premier League title could be revoked by the Football Association or the Premier League has no basis in fact, procedure or precedent. There has never been an investigation, charge, hearing or ruling that would justify removing the trophy from the club’s history. The 2016–17 season remains an officially recognised championship, recorded in every league archive, statistical database and historical record. Chelsea won the title fairly, under the rules that applied at the time, and no governing body has ever suggested otherwise. This conclusion is not speculation. It is based on how the Premier League operates, how disciplinary processes work and how football authorities protect the integrity of historical results. A title cannot be removed without clear evidence of a breach that directly affected the competition, and even then, only after a formal independent process. No such process exists for Chelsea’s 2017 campaign, and no official state...

The Evolution of VAR Technology: What Went Wrong in the Manchester Derby and How It Can Be Improved.

The introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was meant to eliminate clear and obvious errors, increase fairness and restore confidence in officiating. Instead, high-profile matches like the Manchester derby have shown how the technology can create more controversy than clarity. In recent encounters between Manchester United and Manchester City, VAR interventions have sparked debates about consistency, communication and the very definition of a “clear and obvious” mistake. These moments reveal not just isolated refereeing errors, but systemic issues in how VAR is implemented, interpreted and explained to supporters inside stadiums and watching at home. The problem is no longer whether VAR should exist. The technology is here to stay. The real question is how it can evolve to fulfil its original promise without undermining the flow, emotion and human element that make football compelling. Recent derbies suggest that improvements are needed in three key areas: the standard for in...

EFL Cup Third Round: Must-Watch Premier League Showdowns This September.

The EFL Cup third round always feels like the moment the competition truly comes alive. This is when Europe’s elite finally step onto the stage, when Premier League giants face lower-league opposition and when the possibility of a giant-killing adds genuine drama to midweek football. September 2026 delivers one of the most compelling third-round line-ups in recent memory, with multiple all-Premier League clashes, historic rivalries renewed and several ties that could produce memorable moments. For supporters who often treat the Carabao Cup as a secondary competition, this round offers a genuine reason to pay attention. The draw has produced fixtures that balance competitive intrigue with narrative appeal. Liverpool host Tottenham in a heavyweight clash between two clubs with genuine top-four ambitions. Manchester United welcome Brighton, a team that has consistently troubled the traditional elite with intelligent pressing and structured attacking play. Arsenal travel to Ipswich Town, w...

10 Players Who Switched National Teams .

Switching national teams is a contentious and distinctive feature of international soccer. Some players take advantage of FIFA's eligibility criteria, while others make the switch for personal reasons or better possibilities. Given that we're in the midst of the International Break, here's a list of ten significant players who switched. Dean Huijsen From: Netherlands. To: Spain. Dean was born in Amsterdam to Dutch parents, but his family relocated to Spain when he was five years old. He became a Spanish citizen in 2024, despite having previously played with Dutch youth teams. Dean was booed by the crowd every time he touched the ball during Thursday's UEFA Nations League quarterfinals in Rotterdam (seen above). Diego Costa From: Brazil. To: Spain. Costa went to Spain in 2013, after appearing in two friendly matches for Brazil. He was already a naturalized Spanish citizen and favored the Spanish soccer system. He went on to compete in key competitions for Spa...

Dribble Diaries

Search This Blog