LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, and Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, shake hands prior to the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on April 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
A Premier League manager is reportedly the favourite to take over at Barcelona after Xavi Hernandez announced he will be leaving at the end of the season.
Just a day after Jurgen Klopp announced his Liverpool exit, Xavi made his decision to leave at the of the campaign after the disastrous 5-3 loss to Villarreal on Saturday night.
As expected, a number of names have been thrown into the ring as potential replacements for next season, which includes the likes of Granada’s Alexander Medina.
Read: Breaking: Xavi Makes Shock Barca Decision After Loss
According to the Daily Mail, Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto de Zerbi is the early favourite to succeed Xavi at the Camp Nou.
De Zerbi’s good work at Brighton has also seen him linked with a move to Liverpool after Klopp made his shock decision this week.
The report adds that Barcelona B team coach and former player Rafa Marquez and former Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui are also among the potential favourites.
Xavi, meanwhile, cut a frustrated figure after the loss to Villarreal but says nothing will change his mind.
“The best thing is for me to leave. I will give my best until the end of the season,” Xavi said, as per Football Espana.
“This decision will help the players and the club.
“I want the best for the club, and the best thing is that I leave my position at the end of the season.
“I wouldn’t change my decision even if I won the Champions League. I will tell the players tomorrow.
“I’m the most responsible one, so the players will finally feel free now.”
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