Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has confirmed that the club won’t pursue Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta as a replacement for current manager Xavi Hernandez, who is set to depart this summer.
As they evaluate candidates to succeed Xavi, Barcelona is considering various options for their managerial position in Catalonia.
If Xavi does leave, a list of candidates for the job have been drawn up, with Mikel Arteta reported to be being a favourite of Barca’s hierarchy given his connection to the club.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Porto’s Sergio Conceicao have all also been linked.
Speaking about the rumours linking Barca with a move for Arteta, and other linked coaches.
Read Also: Newcastle United Suffers Blow: Sven Botman Ruled Out for Up To Nine Months With ACL Injury
Deci Said:
“Nothing has been decided yet, but we are attentive.
“Of course I am charmed by Luis Enrique, he is a top coach.
Obviously you can appreciate top managers like and as well, but they are not available.
Just like Mikel Arteta, Andoni Iraola and Sergio Conceicao too. We haven’t spoken with them at all and it’s pointless to mention them. We’re not speaking to any manager yet.”
Speaking in another interview previously, Deco admitted that the search for a “top-level” manager to replace Xavi was proving to be difficult.
“There are not many top-level coaches out there,” he said.
“Most are under contract, there are not many people available.”
“Barca has a style that everyone knows. But there is no robot portrait of the ideal coach. Nationality does not count, What counts is the quality, the ambition.”
