Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola recommended a Premier League manager to FC Barcelona to replace Xavi Hernandez at the end of the season, reported Spanish news outlet Fichajes on Tuesday.
Guardiola managed Barcelona for four years from 2008 to 2012, where he made history and now shares a special connection with the club. Every now and then, the Spaniard speaks about the Catalan club in pressers and acknowledges his love for the club.
Despite being at Man City, the Spaniard is still thinking of his former club and recommended a manager to replace Xavi to replace once the season ends.
As per the report, Guardiola named Brighton’s Roberto de Zerbi as the ideal Xavi replacement. As per Pep, the Italian fits perfectly with Barcelona’s philosophy of dominating the opponent with possession.
De Zerbi’s team plays with the perfect combination of ball dominance and offensive approach, which is essential to Barca’s DNA. Guardiola highlighted the Italian’s immense work on developing young talents and his ability to clearly transform his ideas to the players.
Guardiola’s recommendation holds great value as he is greatly respected by everyone on the Barca board and the appointment of the Italian after Xavi’s exit may not come as a surprise.
Earlier, Xavi announced he would step down as Barcelona’s coach on June 30, 2024, after the club’s thumping 5-3 loss to Villarreal in La Liga.
Xavi was under hot waters ever since the Blaugrana suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.
The team was knocked out of Copa del Rey (CDR) after losing to Athletic Bilbao 4-2 and the loss against the Yellow Submarines turned out to be the final straw for the former midfielder.
"From June 30, I will not continue as Barca coach. As a Barca fan, I believe the club needs a change of dynamic," Xavi said in a post-match press conference. "I've been a man of the club. I've prioritised it above even myself. I've given everything I have."
