Next Barcelona Manager

• Xavi announces departure after difficult season to date
• A number of big names linked
• Flick current favourite

Betfred

(4.5/5)

Who will be the next permanent Barcelona Manager? 

Amidst Barcelona’s recent struggles under Xavi’s leadership, the club finds itself on the brink of a major managerial shakeup. Despite Xavi securing La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup last season, his departure announcement following a disappointing 5-3 defeat to Villarreal has sparked anticipation for a new head coach in the upcoming summer.

The best football betting sites in the UK have already begun pricing up a new manager market in anticipation of Xavi’s exit. While Mikel Arteta initially led the race for the role, the former Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez has since gained momentum, eclipsing Arteta in most football betting markets. However, the landscape has shifted once again, with former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick emerging as the frontrunner this week, even as Marquez’s odds start to dwindle.

Adding to the intrigue, news of Thomas Tuchel’s impending departure from Bayern Munich has thrown his name into the mix for the Barcelona job. With Tuchel’s impressive track record, particularly with Chelsea, he presents another compelling option for the Catalan club.

The potential candidates reflect a diverse array of experiences and backgrounds, each bringing unique strengths to the table. As Barcelona navigates this crucial decision-making process, the club’s choice of manager will undoubtedly shape its future trajectory on and off the pitch. While the betting markets offer insights into the evolving speculation, the final decision will hinge on Barcelona’s long-term vision and its quest for renewed success in European football.

With Liverpool and Bayern Munich also searching for a new manager, it promises to be an interesting summer.

Next Barcelona manager: Leading candidates

We look ar some of the most interesting candidates to replace Xavi at Barcelona.

Hansi Flick:

The dismissal of Flick as Germany’s national coach marked a significant departure from tradition, following a series of disappointing performances, including a notable loss to Japan and an early exit from the 2022 World Cup. Despite this setback, Flick’s tenure at Bayern Munich remains a shining achievement in his coaching career.

During his time at Bayern, Flick secured an impressive seven trophies, including a memorable Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain. His calm demeanour under pressure and effective communication style make him a desirable candidate for Barcelona, despite his current lack of proficiency in Spanish. Reports suggest he’s actively working on learning the language, understanding its importance in coaching Barcelona.

Yet, there’s a lingering question about Flick’s ability to succeed beyond the confines of Bayern, where success seemed almost assured. Joining Barcelona would present a new challenge, one where he’d need to prove his mettle without the inherent advantages of coaching at a club like Bayern.

Garcia Pimienta:

Pimienta embodies the essence of Barcelona’s footballing philosophy, boasting a deep understanding of the club’s DNA and tactical intricacies. While not as prominent a name as some others, Pimienta’s coaching journey offers a compelling narrative.

With extensive experience within Barcelona’s youth setup, including notable successes with Barcelona B, Pimienta has demonstrated his readiness for a senior managerial role. His current stint at Las Palmas in La Liga showcases his ability to compete and achieve stability in a competitive league.

Although he may lack the glamour of other candidates, Pimienta’s track record and potential make him a promising choice for Barcelona, embodying the club’s commitment to nurturing talent and playing attractive football.

Mikel Arteta:

Arteta’s tenure at Arsenal has seen a revitalization of the club’s playing style and competitive spirit. His tactical acumen, honed during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, has translated into success on the field.

Arteta’s ability to blend control and attacking flair aligns well with Barcelona’s footballing ethos. However, his potential move to Barcelona remains uncertain, given Arsenal’s reluctance to part ways with a manager who has brought about positive change at the club.

Roberto De Zerbi:

De Zerbi has emerged as a dynamic and innovative coach, known for his ability to implement entertaining and effective footballing strategies. His tenure at Brighton & Hove Albion has seen the team flourish under his guidance, playing fast-paced, attacking football.

De Zerbi’s experience working within budget constraints and his knack for developing young talent make him an intriguing candidate for Barcelona. Fluent in Spanish and accustomed to integrating young players into his teams, De Zerbi offers a fresh perspective to Barcelona’s managerial search.

Hiring De Zerbi could signal the start of an exciting new chapter for Barcelona, defined by innovation and a commitment to nurturing talent on the field.

Next Barcelona manager: Latest odds

The latest odds for the next permanent Barcelona manager from bet365 are as follows:

Tough job awaits Xavi’s successor

Whoever does get the job will have a tough job on their hands. FFP restrictions and the club’s financial situation mean that a quick fix is unlikely to be available. This, along with the weight of expectations, mean that making Barcelona genuine Champions League contenders on a regular basis once more, not to mention overcoming the challenge of Real Madrid in La Liga is a huge job which will require time. Something which is often not given to Barcelona managers. We will watch these developments with interest. It is not even beyond the realms of possibility that Xavi will be persuaded to stay if the club feel that there are no better candidates.

Betway

(4.5/5)

BetUK

(4.8/5)