Chronicle Editor
BARCELONA are looking for a new coach after they sacked Ronald Koeman with the Spanish giants ninth in La Liga and third in their Champions League group.
A dire financial situation has hung over the club in recent months, causing Lionel Messi to join Paris Saint-Germain in August. Barcelona are 1.35 billion euros in debt.
Any successor would have to work within those economic constraints, bring back a more attractive style of football and significantly improve results.
Xavi is currently in charge of Qatari side Al Sadd and would be a hugely popular choice with the Barca fans, given his glittering career at the Camp Nou as an elite midfielder.
There is also the belief that the 41-year-old would instil an attractive style similar to the one played by Barcelona when he was there under Pep Guardiola.
But Laporta has reportedly had reservations about appointing Xavi in the past, not least because of his lack of experience.
Xavi might also be reluctant to join, with the club in such a financial mess and now without his former team-mate Messi.
He is though the clear favourite to take the reins. — SuperSport
Online Reporter