Another day, another drama in Barcelona. The Catalan giants are having to come to terms with the thought of missing out on the Liga crown for just the fourth time in ten years, with Quique Setien’s fate as Barcelona boss hanging by a thread afterwards.
Much will depend on their performance in the Champions League in August, where La Blaugrana will have to 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.
RC Celta de Vigo v FC Barcelona – La Liga / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu told the television show ‘Onze’ that the 61-year-old’s job is safe for now, and Mundo Deportivo reports that he will continue as their coach during the 2020/21 campaign. There are plans to keep.
But there will no doubt be questions lingering in the minds of Barcelona’s hierarchy about the quality of their current boss, given their poor run of form and a possible end under his tutelage. One man who will be watching these developments at Camp Nou with interest is Xavi Hernandez.
A former player and a legend on the pitch for the Catalan giants, the Spaniard seems destined to lead Cavals ever since he hung up his boots. And with Setien struggling to keep his head above water, that time may come sooner rather than later.
However, Xavi is surprisingly not the preferred option for many figures within the Barca camp. Still, the ranks of Camp Nou are divided and chaotic, and opinion is as divided as ever. jerk
Al Sadd Sports Club vs Esperance Sportive de Tunis – FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 / Utsuhara / Getty Images
The 40-year-old had previously met with club officials in the winter to discuss the possibility of replacing the departing Ernesto Valverde, but has played down his ambitions to control the club from top to bottom. Lose it for the reason, and set up a new setup. Template in motion.
This radical change of approach didn’t sit well with Bartomeu, and after opting to hire Setien in January, it’s unclear whether Xavi remains at the helm of the current president when he returns to Catalonia.
It’s clear the club is in desperate need of a shake-up, and the former Barca superstar could be the man to bring back the glory days at the Camp Nou.
But will he be given a chance?