Chaos & Division at Barcelona as Hierarchy Is Split Over Possible Xavi Appointment
By Max Cooper
Another day, another drama at Barcelona. The Catalan giants are having to come to terms with the thought of missing out on the Liga crown for only the fourth time in ten years, and Quique Setien's fate as Barcelona boss is subsequently hanging by a thread.
Much will depend on their performances in the Champions League in August, where La Blaugrana must overcome a stubborn Napoli side in the Round of 16 second leg, having drawn 1-1 in Naples earlier this year. And with the domestic title seemingly heading to Madrid this summer, there is plenty of pressure on their current boss to prove his credentials for the coming season.
Barça president Josep Maria Bartomeu told television show 'Onze' that the 61-year-old's job is safe for now, and plans are in place for him to continue as their coach during the 2020/21 campaign, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
But questions will no doubt remain in the Barcelona hierarchy's mind over the quality of their current boss, given their poor away form and potential dethroning under his stewardship. One man who will be watching these developments unfold with interest at Camp Nou, is Xavi Hernandez.
A former player and a legend on the pitch for the Catalan giants, it has seemed to be the Spaniard's destiny to lead los Cules ever since he hung up his boots. And with Setien struggling to keep his head above water, that time may be arriving sooner rather than later.
However, Xavi is surprisingly not the preferred option for several figures within the Barça camp. Yet again, there is division and chaos within the Camp Nou ranks, and opinions are as split as ever. Shock.
The 40-year-old had previously met with officials from the club in the winter, to discuss the possibility of replacing the departed Ernesto Valverde, but he missed out due to his ambitions of controlling the club from top to bottom, and setting a new template in motion.
This radical change of approach did not sit well with Bartomeu, and having opted to hire Setien in January, it is unclear whether Xavi would return to Catalonia whilst the current president is at the helm.
It's evident that the club does desperately need a shakeup, and the former Barça superstar could be the man to bring the glory days back to Camp Nou.
But will he be given the chance?