EXCLUSIVE NEWS: coming from Fabrizio Romano, Lionel Messi has reportedly urged Barcelona to consider appointing a 48-year-old manager as the replacement for Xavi Hernandez. The Argentine legend believes that the former player turned manager would be the perfect candidate to take over the reins at Camp Nou. The 48-year-old is a well-respected figure in the world of football, having achieved great success as a player and as a manager. He is known for his ability to get the best out of his players and for his tactical acumen. Lionel Messi Backs Underrated Manager as Perfect Replacement for Xavi.
According to reports from El Nacional, Lionel Messi has purportedly advised Barcelona to consider appointing Marcelo Gallardo, his fellow countryman, as the successor to Xavi Hernandez. Barcelona faces a significant decision this summer as they seek to fill the void left by the departing manager, Xavi Hernandez. Despite a challenging season under the current coach, Barcelona has not rushed to make a managerial change.
However, with Xavi’s announcement of his intention to step down at the end of the season, Barcelona must now find a suitable replacement for the club legend. Lionel Messi, another iconic figure in Barcelona’s history and widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has reportedly recommended Marcelo Gallardo as the leading candidate for the job. Gallardo enjoyed a distinguished playing career, representing clubs such as River Plate, Monaco, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), while also earning 44 caps for Argentina. As a manager, he has impressed with his tenure at River Plate and is currently coaching Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
Highly regarded for his attacking style of play, Gallardo is viewed by Messi as an ideal match for Barcelona’s philosophy. According to El Nacional, Gallardo would be open to leaving Al-Ittihad if offered the opportunity to join Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has identified Manchester City midfielder Rodri as a potential replacement for Sergio Busquets at the Catalan club. Busquets departed Barcelona last summer after over 15 years of service. Barcelona has struggled to fill the void left by Busquets, with Deco acknowledging the difficulty of the task. Despite naming Rodri as a suitable replacement, Deco believes that Manchester City would be unwilling to part ways with the midfielder. Additionally, Deco mentions Joshua Kimmich as another top player who could fill the role, but acknowledges the challenges associated with signing him.
Busquets’ departure from Barcelona last summer saw him join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, where they reunited with former teammates Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez. Busquets played a crucial role in Barcelona and Spain’s success, winning numerous trophies for both club and country.
