Barcelona might turn to 48-year-old Argentine manager Marcelo Gallardo if they part ways with Xavi Hernandez in the coming weeks.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Marcelo Gallardo is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The Catalan giants are scouring the market for a new manager heading into the summer amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Xavi Hernandez. The former Spanish international faces an uncertain future at the club after some of his recent comments.
The Xavi Hernandez saga is slowly turning Barcelona into a laughing stock in the footballing world. The 44-year-old announced his departure from the club in January, citing reasons that intensified his frustrations behind the scenes. A couple of months later, Xavi reversed his decision, with Joan Laporta and Deco coaxing him to continue beyond the season.
Xavi’s situation has flipped again this week after some of his recent comments on Vitor Roque and Barcelona’s financial situation. Those quotes have rubbed Joan Laporta the wrong way, and the Barcelona president is mulling over sacking the former Spanish international in the coming weeks.
So, the Catalan giants have returned to the market for a new manager after calling off their search a few weeks ago. Several managers were on Barcelona’s radar in the first few months of 2024, including Rafael Marquez and Hansi Flick. Those two tacticians remain on their wishlist. But another candidate has emerged as a target for Barcelona: Marcelo Gallardo.
Marcelo Gallardo has been one of the most revered young coaches in the world in the last half a decade. The Argentine tactician saw his stock soar during his stint with River Plate, guiding the club to multiple honours. However, since ending his spell with River Plate, he has endured instability in the managerial world.
The 48-year-old joined Al-Ittihad in November 2023 after the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo but has already left the club due to some poor results and conflicts behind the scenes. So, Gallardo is on the market again, emerging on the radar of long-term suitor Barcelona.
With Gallardo available for a transfer, it will not be surprising to see him finally join Barcelona after years of courting. However, it all depends on Xavi’s future at the Catalan club, with the former Spanish international insisting he is not going anywhere.
