Barcelona legend makes clear his desire to replace Xavi as club's next manager

28 January 2024 , 13:05

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Xavi has announced he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season (Image: Getty Images)

Rafael Marquez has publicly spoken of his desire to become Barcelona's next manager after Xavi announced that he would be stepping down at the end of the season.

Xavi made the announcement after his side were beaten 5-3 by Villarreal over the weekend, a result which leaves them third in La Liga and ten points behind league leaders Real Madrid. And Marquez, who helped Barcelona win four league titles and two Champions Leagues as a player, wants to replace his former teammate.

"It's part of the process," Marquez said, as per the Metro. "It will come if it has to happen to me. Who wouldn't want to be Barca coach? I will continue working hard, it's only my second season as a coach.

"The board will have time to think carefully between now and the end of the season. But, you can't say no to an opportunity like this." Marquez is currently in charge of Barcelona Atletic, the club's B team, and his comments come after Xavi admitted things had "reached a point of no return".

"I will leave Barcelona in June," he said following the Villarreal defeat. "We have reached a point of no return. It's time for change. As a Culé, I think that it's time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today.

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"I will leave on the 30th of June. Everything will be calmer now, we can compete for the Champions League … at least with this decision you [the press] won't kill me anymore. The club will improve with this decision."

Xavi also opened up about the difficulties managing a club like Barcelona, insisting they will never have a manager who enjoys the same longevity as legendary former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Rafael Marquez is interested in replacing Xavi (NoeliaDeniz/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"The feeling of being a Barca coach is unpleasant, it is cruel," he continued. "You feel that they disrespect you many times, that your work is not valued and it is a terrible drain on mental health and mood.

"I am a very positive guy but the energy is going down to the point that you say that it makes no sense to continue. It has happened to all the coaches who have passed by. We have to change the dynamics.

"It is impossible for there to be a Barca Ferguson, it is very difficult. We have to change directions and dynamics and now is the time. Unfair? I don't know, I move from the heart and when nothing makes sense it is time to act and make decisions."

Matthew Cooper